Radisson San Jose-Costa Rica

A national holiday observed on March 19th, this day honors San José's patron saint (Saint Joseph) and provides an...

A national holiday observed on March 19th, this day honors San José's patron saint (Saint Joseph) and provides an opportunity for Costa Ricans to celebrate in grand style. Most Ticos (Costa Ricans) take this holiday and attend various parties throughout the city, where visitors can experience lively music, tasty eats, horse parades and lively bullfights. As it is traditionally a religious holiday, many churches offer special mass services on this day.

Hours: Mon, Mar 19, 2012

Ticos remember the death of one of their national heroes, Juan Santamaria, by celebrating in grand style during a...

Ticos remember the death of one of their national heroes, Juan Santamaria, by celebrating in grand style during a week-long festival in April. Lively bands, colorful parades, concerts, street parties and more commemorate the heroic young drummer boy who perished during the Battle of Rivas in 1856.

Hours: Wed, Apr 11, 2012

Alive with color, this annual event showcases the country's national flower. Costa Rica boasts more than 1200 orchid...

Alive with color, this annual event showcases the country's national flower. Costa Rica boasts more than 1200 orchid species, and visitors to the show can generally find more than 1500 local and foreign varieties on display. This National Orchid Show enables growers from all over the world to share their passion with similarly minded folks and crowds who appreciate their craft. The event is held in mid-March at the Colegio de Medicos y Cirujanos.

Hours: February 2013

An old-fashioned rodeo that promises a lively show, this March event features horse roping and racing, mechanical bull...

An old-fashioned rodeo that promises a lively show, this March event features horse roping and racing, mechanical bull rides, live bullfights and plenty of fun entertainment for the entire family. It's located at the Bonanza Fairgrounds.

Hours: March 2013

Held in San José's suburb of Escazú on the second Sunday of March, this exciting local festival features a...

Held in San José's suburb of Escazú on the second Sunday of March, this exciting local festival features a lively parade of oxcarts painted in an array of colorful styles. Generally, over 500 carts enter the parade, with each cart being guided by a boyero (oxcart driver) hoping to win one of the various oxcart competitions. In addition to the parade and various exhibits and entertainments, the celebration also includes a time when area priests bless crops and animals.

Hours: Sun, Mar 10, 2013

Held during even-numbered years, this exhibition focuses on bringing together the best international performers in the...

Held during even-numbered years, this exhibition focuses on bringing together the best international performers in the areas of dance, music, film and theater. Although international in scope, the focus of this two-week March event is primarily Latin American works.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Fri, Mar 16, 2012 Sat, Mar 17, 2012 Sun, Mar 18, 2012 Mon, Mar 19, 2012 Tue, Mar 20, 2012 Wed, Mar 21, 2012 Thu, Mar 22, 2012 Fri, Mar 23, 2012 Sat, Mar 24, 2012 Sun, Mar 25, 2012 Mon, Mar 26, 2012 Tue, Mar 27, 2012 Wed, Mar 28, 2012 Thu, Mar 29, 2012 Fri, Mar 30, 2012 Sat, Mar 31, 2012

May 15th marks the celebration of San Isidro's Day, a national holiday to commemorate the patron saint of farmers and...

May 15th marks the celebration of San Isidro's Day, a national holiday to commemorate the patron saint of farmers and farm animals. Locals enjoy their holiday by partaking in fairs, parades and various entertainments held throughout the city. Area priests hold ceremonies to bless livestock and crops during this special holiday.

Hours: Tue, May 15, 2012

Held the day after Christmas, downtown San José's distinguished horse parade is one of the country's finest. Guests...

Held the day after Christmas, downtown San José's distinguished horse parade is one of the country's finest. Guests are treated to a dizzying array of sights and sounds, beginning with horses and riders decorated in colorful costumes and continuing to live bands playing after the official horse show. Ethnic foods, contests, dancing and an evening "Festival of Lights" parade ending with a fireworks demonstration add to the excitement of the event.

Hours: Wed, Dec 26, 2012

To ensure that the New Year is ushered in with appropriate applause and the old year is sent packing with just the right...

To ensure that the New Year is ushered in with appropriate applause and the old year is sent packing with just the right amount of respect, Josefinos celebrate at the Year-End Festival. It's held the last week of the year in Zapote, an eastern suburb of San Jose. Visitors thoroughly enjoy themselves by partaking in lively street parties that center around eating, drinking and dancing the nights away. Additionally, a number of amateur and professional bullfights are staged at the Zapote Fairgrounds, home of this exciting festival.

Hours: Wed, Dec 26, 2012 Thu, Dec 27, 2012 Fri, Dec 28, 2012 Sat, Dec 29, 2012 Sun, Dec 30, 2012 Mon, Dec 31, 2012