Spanish textbooks won’t prepare you for a taxi driver greeting you with “¡Pura vida, mae!” or a friend urging you …
Celebrate Farmer’s Day in Costa Rica: Markets, Tours, and More
Every May, Costa Rica comes together to celebrate Farmer’s Appreciation Day, a heartfelt thank-you to the farmers who keep the …
Costa Rican Folkloric Dances: History, Moves, and Cultural Significance
Costa Rica’s folkloric dances—Punto Guanacasteco, Suin Criollo, La Yeguita, Danza de los Diablitos, and Chorotega—are vibrant stories of the country’s …
Fiesta de Los Diablitos: A Costa Rica Indigenous Celebration
The Fiesta de los Diablitos is a Boruca festival in Costa Rica’s Puntarenas Province, held annually from December 30 to …
Costa Rica’s Musical Instruments: A Cultural Soundtrack
Costa Rica’s music is a lively mix of Spanish, African, and Latin American influences, woven into its cultural identity. From …
A Guide to Bullfighting in Costa Rica: Toros a la Tica and Fiestas de Zapote
Costa Rica, a huge draw for wildlife and ecotourism, surprises visitors with a unique cultural tradition: Toros a la Tica, …
The National Theatre of Costa Rica: A Cultural Gem in San José
The National Theatre of Costa Rica, located in San José, is a key cultural landmark and a symbol of the …
Costa Rica’s Afro-Caribbean Heritage: From Calypso to Caribbean Cuisine
Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, particularly the province of Limón, is a cultural gem where Afro-Caribbean heritage shines brightly. This vibrant …
Costa Rica Independence Day: History, Celebrations, and Travel Tips
Every September, Costa Rica bursts into a month-long celebration of its independence from Spain, marked officially on September 15, 1821. …
La Romería: Costa Rica’s Pilgrimage to Cartago, Explained
Every English-language account of Costa Rica’s Romería repeats the same figure: two million people walking to a single church. That …
The Curious Case of Costa Rica’s Electric Showers
If you’ve ever stayed in a traditional Tico home or a budget-friendly hotel in Costa Rica, chances are you’ve encountered …
Costa Rica’s Ox Carts: A Colorful Journey Through History and Culture
The Costa Rican ox cart, or “carreta,” is more than a traditional mode of transport—it’s a vibrant symbol of the …