COSTA RICAN HOLIDAYS

Every town seems to have its own patron saint’s day.

You’ll enjoy a procession, bullfights, rodeos, parades, beauty contests and, of course, dancing.

Very sensual, very latin dancing. And you’re invited!

Costa Rican Holidays: Semana Santa

And, if you’re lucky enough you might be invited to a traditional meal called “Olla de Res”, a soup made of beef and lots of very exotic vegetables, all served with the ubiquitous rice eaten here.

If you travel to Costa Rica for Easter you’re going to have lots of Tico families on popular beaches alongside of you. . .and virtually all hotels and car rentals are booked solid weeks in advance.

In early 2010, Costa Rica opened a new highway, called the Caldera, which it touts will cut travel time from San Jose to the central Pacific coast to 45 minutes or so. Wow! What a great savings over the old route!

What it didn't take into account was Santa Semana traffic.

45 minutes became 3 1/2 hours of bumper to bumper traffic.

Literally. 3 1/2 hours to travel 50 miles.

Moral for your Costa Rica vacation: avoid driving between San Jose and the Pacific coast during Christmas/New Years or Easter Week even on the new Caldera highway. If you must travel, leave really early or late.

And, of course, be prepared to pay more for hotels during major holidays.

Behind a Procession

One recent Holy Friday I was invited to have Olla de Res with some Tico friends who live near Poas Volcano. About 10:00 in the morning, I hopped into my little car and drove towards the volcano.

Unfortunately, like almost all of Costa Rica, there were NO road signs so. . . I got lost.

After an hour or so of driving around aimlessly, I found what looked to be the right road. I drove through a very small Tico community, past a little church, and realized that, once again, I had made a wrong turn.

However, as I turned around, I was no longer alone. The Catholic church had emptied onto the only road in town and, suddenly, I was behind a procession of men, women, and children marching from the church and carrying palm fronds.

Of course, a procession is only as fast as its oldest folks, so we were in no hurry (and there was only one street).

Two hours, and half a mile later, I was finally able to get through.

My Tico friends were delighted to see me, thinking I must have had an accident, and when I related my little sojourn, they laughed as only Ticos can.

And, boy, was I ready for the Olla de Res.

Pura Vida!

Costa Rican Holidays: Christmas

As you probably expect, this is one of the busiest Costa Rican holidays for travel. For many Americans and Europeans, it's the kick-off to high tourist season.

But, this is one of the most popular vacation weeks for Ticos, as well. School is out, businesses close and thousands and thousands of Ticos take their second vacation of the year at the same time.

Lots of fun, but you won't be alone when you take your trip to Costa Rica at Christmas.

And it's a good idea to make your hotel and car rentals weeks early.

But There Are Lots of Other Costa Rican Holidays, Too

March 19th: St. Joseph’s Day, patron saint of San Jose and San Jose province. This is one of the Costa Rican holidays celebrated on the same day across the Pond, though in honor of another saint. You see, for Americans and Europeans, it's St. Patrick's day!

April 11th: Juan Santamaria Day. This public holiday commemorates a young drummer boy who fought an American invader named William Walker who wanted to become the Costa Rica dictator. The boy’s valor was so great that he became the only Costa Rican to have a national holiday named in his honor.

Read the true story about the wannabee dictator and the peasant boy who saved a country and became a national hero in the battle of Santa Rosa.

May 1st: Costa Rica’s Labor Day

June: Corpus Christi

June 29th: St. Peter and St. Paul’s Day

July 25th: Guanacaste Day. For those of you who enjoy the spectacular beaches of the north Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, come this week. It marks the annexation of Guanacaste from Nicaragua in 1824 and there are lots of celebrations in the province to enjoy.

August 2nd: Virgin de los Angeles Day. She's the Patron saint of Costa Rica and every year there's a massive pilgrimage at the Basilica de Virgen de los Angeles in the little town of Cartago.

This is such a big event that even the President of Costa Rica joins in the march.

September 15th: This is Costa Rica’s Independence Day, celebrating its independence from Spain in 1821. You’re going to find lots of big patriotic parades across the country.

October 12th: In the Caribbean province of Limon, there’s a weeklong carnival celebrating Columbus Day. Don't know why the rest of the country doesn't join in. Maybe they didn't want to be discovered!

November 2nd: All soul’s Day. But, Halloween is frowned upon here so keep your tricks and treats to yourself. December 8th: Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.

December 25: Christmas (most Ticos celebrate the evening of the 24th with get-togethers)

Many Ticos begin celebrating Christmas with a dinner or get-together for friends and family on Christmas Eve. After Christmas, there are many fiestas and fairs.

San Jose has a horse-parade December 26 with several thousand riders from across the country.

Just remember this: when you travel to Costa Rica there’s almost always a Costa Rican holiday so enjoy!

Pura Vida!

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