Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Festivals & Events
Día de San José
RELIGIOUS
(St Joseph's Day)
On March 19, San José marks the day of its patron saint with mass in some churches.
Día del Boyero
CULTURAL
On the second Sunday of March, Escazú holds this popular event honoring Costa Rica's
boyeros
(oxcart drivers). Dozens of attendees from all over the country decorate tradition-
al, brightly painted carts and form a colorful (if slow) parade.
Festival de las Artes
ARTS
Every even year, San José becomes host to the biennial citywide arts showcase that fea-
tures theater, music, dance and film. It's held for two weeks in March or April. Keep an
eye out for information in the daily newspapers.
Desfile de los Boyeros
CULTURAL
(Oxcart Parade)
This parade of oxcarts down Paseo Colón takes place every November and is a celebration
of the country's agricultural heritage.
Festival de la Luz
RELIGIOUS
(Festival of Light;
www.festivaldelaluz.cr
)
December brings San José's big Christmas parade, marked by elaborate costumes and
floats, and an absurd amount of plastic 'snow.'
Las Fiestas de Zapote
CULTURAL
(
www.fiestaszapote.com
; Dec 25 to Jan 5)
Between Christmas and New Year's, this week-long holiday celebration of all things Costa
Rican (namely rodeos, cowboys, carnival rides, fried food and booze) annually draws in
