National Holidays
This holiday, celebrated on September 15th, marks Costa Rica’s fredom from Spain.
What is Independence Day?
This Christian holiday in March or April often involves processions and beach trips.
What is Holy Week?
This December festival in San José includes carts parades and carnival rides.
What is the Festival de la Luz?
This genre of music, often heard at festivals, features marimbas and upbeat rhythms.
What is folkloric music?
This Christmas dish is made of corn dough wrapped in banana leaves.
What are tamales?
On this day in May, Costa Ricans honor workers with parades and time off.
What is Labor Day?
Pilgrims walk for miles to the basilica in Cartago for this annual religious event.
What is the Romería?
This “Little Christmas” on January 6th celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men.
What is El Día de los Reyes?
This traditional Costa Rican dance is often performed at parades and celebrations.
What is El Punto Guanacasteco?
During Holy Week, this type of meat is traditionally avoided.
What is red meat?
Celebrated on December 1st, this day marks the abolition of this national institution. What is the name of the institution?
What is the military?
Catholic influence means this December holiday is both religious and family-oriented.
What is Christmas?
Towns celebrate their patron saints with this type of event, often including bulls.
What is a fiesta patronal?
In Limón, you’ll likely hear this Caribbean genre during celebrations.
What is reggae or calypso?
This sweet treat, often served during the holidays, is made with honey and coconut.
What is cajeta or miel de coco?
Juan Santamaría Day, celebrated in April, honors a hero from this 1856 battle.
What is the Battle of Rivas?
This biblical figure is celebrated during the Romería.
Who is La Virgen de los Ángeles?
This festival includes concerts, bullfighting, and lots of beer.
What is the Fiestas de Palmares?
At Christmas time, people sing these traditional holiday songs.
What are villancicos/Christmas carols?
Rompope, enjoyed during the holidays, is Costa Rica’s version of this creamy drink.
What is eggnog/rompope?
This day in August honors the Virgin of the Angels, Costa Rica's patron saint. What us the date?
What is August 2nd?
What is the name of the holiday after Thursday that is part of this larger week of observances.
What is Good Friday?
This October celebration honors Afro-Caribbean culture.
What is Carnaval de Limón?
Musicians often perform in these mascarades groups during patron saint festivals.
What are cimarronas?
This Christmas beverage is a fermented drink made with rice, sugar, and spices.
What is chicha?