The holiday season in Costa Rica is a vibrant celebration that combines rich cultural traditions, lively festivals, and a sense of community. Whether you’re spending your holidays in Costa Rica or preparing to make it your second home, understanding the unique Costa Rican holiday traditions can make your experience even more special. From festive Christmas gatherings to peaceful New Year’s Eve celebrations, here’s a look at some of the most cherished traditions and customs that define the holiday season in Costa Rica.
1. Celebrating Christmas with Fiestas de Navidad
In Costa Rica, Christmas is a deeply family-oriented celebration, and the holiday season is marked by a series of colorful festivals and events. The festivities begin in early December, with towns and cities hosting Fiestas de Navidad—Christmas festivals that bring the entire community together. Streets are filled with light displays, processions, and parades, and everyone participates in the joyous atmosphere.
One of the key aspects of Christmas in Costa Rica is the Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass), which takes place on Christmas Eve. This midnight mass is followed by a festive family dinner, where families enjoy traditional dishes like tamales, roast pork, and sangría (a fruity wine punch). These celebrations are often accompanied by live music, marimba performances, and the ever-present pastorelas, a traditional Christmas play that narrates the journey of the shepherds to Bethlehem.
2. Christmas Food: A Unique Costa Rican Feast
The food during Christmas in Costa Rica is another highlight of the holiday season. Tamales are a central dish, made from corn dough filled with meat, vegetables, and spices, wrapped in plantain leaves, and boiled to perfection. Many families prepare tamales in large batches to share with neighbors and friends during holiday gatherings.
Other popular Christmas foods in Costa Rica include rompope, a rich eggnog-like drink spiced with cinnamon and rum, and cajetas—fudge treats made from mil, sugar and peanuts or cocunut. The holiday meals are often served outdoors, taking advantage of the warm weather, and families enjoy their feasts together in the evenings after attending church.
3. New Year Traditions: A Peaceful Welcome
Unlike the grand Christmas celebrations, New Year’s Eve in Costa Rica is generally a more tranquil affair, with most Costa Ricans celebrating at home with family. New Year traditions in Costa Rica often involve a large family meal, followed by a toast at midnight to welcome the new year.
One unique tradition that’s observed is the 12 grapes of New Year’s, where people eat 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight—one for each chime, each grape symbolizing a wish for the year ahead. Many also follow the custom of walking around the block with an empty suitcase to symbolize the desire for travel and adventure in the coming year.
The New Year’s Eve atmosphere in Costa Rica is often calm, as the focus is on reflection, family, and good wishes for the future. While fireworks are common, they are generally more subdued compared to other countries, allowing for a more peaceful and intimate celebration.
4. Festivals and Fairs: Celebrating with Music and Dance
Throughout the holiday season in Costa Rica, there are also numerous festivals and fairs. In San José, the capital city, the Festival de la Luz (Festival of Lights) is one of the most famous events. This vibrant parade features illuminated floats, dancers, and musicians and marks the beginning of the Christmas season. The event is a true spectacle, drawing crowds from around the world, and takes place the Saturday of or after December 13th, which is Saint Lucia Day. Saint Lucia is known as the “saint of light” and celebrated in many countries.
In addition to the Festival de la Luz, towns across the country host their own celebrations, including bullfights, dances, and art fairs. These events often feature traditional Costa Rican music, such as marimba and cumbia, giving both locals and tourists a chance to enjoy the festive spirit.
5. Costa Rican Holiday Spirit: A Focus on Family and Community
Overall, the Costa Rican approach to the holiday season emphasizes family, community, and warmth. Unlike the commercialized versions of Christmas found in many countries, the celebrations in Costa Rica are rooted in cultural traditions and a deep appreciation for spending quality time with loved ones. Whether attending a Fiesta de Navidad, enjoying a delicious tamal, or reflecting on the year with family, Costa Ricans celebrate the holidays with a focus on togetherness and gratitude.
For those looking to spend the holidays in Costa Rica, you’ll find that the country’s customs provide an unforgettable backdrop to a festive getaway. The warm climate, welcoming atmosphere, and festive spirit make Christmas in Costa Rica and the New Year celebrations a truly special experience.
Costa Rica’s Christmas and New Year traditions offer a unique way to celebrate the holidays, combining cultural customs, delicious food, and joyous community spirit. Whether you’re visiting Costa Rica for the first time or planning to make it your second home, embracing these Costa Rican holiday traditions will enrich your experience and bring the season to life in unforgettable ways.