Festival to Take Over San José Public Spaces This Weekend

San José’s outdoor public spaces are set to come alive with arts and culture this weekend with the return of the big “summertime” Transitarte festival.

The event celebrates its seventh edition March 12 through 14 and, judging by the program, organizer San JoséMunicipality has learned how to squeeze in a ton of activities. Weather permitting, festival goers will quickly learn why Ticos refer to the dry season as “summer.”

The festival officially kicks off today at 7 p.m. in Parque Morazán, one of San José’s public spaces that will be used as Transitarte’s stage throughout the weekend. But, starting at 9 a.m. and throughout the day, book fairs, art sales, concerts and other events will take place in various venues around the city, including Parque Nacional, Parque España, Plaza de la Democracia, Jardín de Paz, Plaza de la Libertad and more.

Saturday gets rocking early in Parque Morazán, starting at 11 a.m. with the folkloric group Areito and featuring other bands such as Sincrónico and Parque en el Espacio through to the night, until the last act, rock ska band Percance, takes the stage at 9 p.m. Jardín de Paz, near the Edificio Metálico, will get jumping tomorrow, too, with activities ranging from miniature golf to the popular Afro-Brazilian dance-combat form capoeira.

Sunday offers mini golf again at the Jardín for anyone who missed out, as well as a host of musical acts, including electronic tango outfit Nottango, dub reggae group Moonlight Dub Experience and the self-proclaimed “psychotropical” Sonámbulo.

The festival finale is set for 7 p.m. Sunday at Plaza de la Democracia with a street performance entitled “Rêve d’Herbert” (Herbert’s Dream) by French troupe Compagnie des Quidams.

For a program of events, see the Calendar on pages W6 and W7, or visit www.transitarte2010.com.

–Alex Leff