Overview of Holidays in Costa Rica

Public Holidays

New Year's Day (Año Nuevo): January 1
This day is the universal New Year, and Costa Ricans will also hold various celebrations to welcome the new year.

Holy Week (Semana Santa): Varies every year, usually in March or April
This is one of the most important Catholic holidays, commemorating the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. During this period, Costa Ricans will participate in religious activities and hold grand parades.

Labor Day (Día del Trabajo): May 1
Like many countries in the world, Costa Rica also celebrates Labor Day to recognize the contributions of workers.

Independence Day (Día de la Independencia): September 15
On September 15, 1821, Costa Rica declared independence from Spanish colonial rule. This day is the most important national day in Costa Rica, and grand celebrations are held throughout the country.

Christmas (Navidad):December 25
Christmas is a global holiday, and Costa Ricans also celebrate with family and friends, exchanging gifts.

Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Asunción de la Virgen):August 15
This is another important Catholic holiday, commemorating the ascension of the Virgin Mary into heaven.

Columbus Day (Día de la Raza): October 12
This holiday commemorates Columbus's discovery of the Americas, but in recent years, there has been controversy over the historical background of this holiday and its impact on indigenous peoples.

Special Holidays

Coffee Festival (Feria del Café):
Held in San José every January, it is the largest coffee festival in Costa Rica. This festival not only showcases the cultivation, roasting and tasting process of Costa Rican high-quality coffee, but also includes various cultural performances, food, handicrafts and other activities.

Oxcart Festival (Fiesta de los Carros):
This festival celebrates Costa Rica's traditional oxcart culture. Painted oxcarts, people in traditional costumes, and lively parades showcase Costa Rica's rural style.

Indigenous Peoples' Day (Día del Indio): 
This festival is to commemorate Costa Rica's indigenous people, who have made great contributions to the country's cultural diversity. On this day, people will hold various activities to celebrate indigenous culture, such as traditional dances, music performances, and handicrafts.

Mask Festival (Festival de las Máscaras): 
This festival originated during the Spanish colonial period. People express their joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness in life by making and wearing masks. Today, the Mask Festival has become an important cultural event in Costa Rica.

Lantern Festival (Festival de los Faroles): 
This festival is usually held during the Christmas season. People will make various lanterns and hang them on the streets, houses, and trees to create a warm and romantic festival atmosphere.

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