Where to spend the last day on Earth?

There have been movies and books about it, outrageous prophecies and simpler ones promising the ushering in of a new era, but for better or worse, the Mayan Calendar will end Dec. 21 spurring anticipation across the world.

Contrary to the beliefs of some apocalypse theorists, no Mayan prophecy ever predicted world catastrophe on Dec. 21, 2012. What the date does signify is the end to the b’ak’tun, a unit of time in the Mayan calendar containing 144,000 days – more than 394 years. This will be the end of the 13th b’ak’tun, marking the end of the fourth world.

There is debate among astronomers and scholars as to what exactly this means. Some scholars even reject the idea that it is the end of the calendar at all. Despite the uncertainty, the date certainly is not going to go unmarked.

Whether you’re preparing for the fiery doom of the human race, the start of a new era of peace or just looking for a good party, here is a list of events around the country where you can spend the last day on Earth.

End of the World Events

AfroKon: the release party for the book, “AfroKon: Wombvoliushan Poetry,” by Queen Nzinga Maxwell, Dec. 21, 8 p.m., Teatro Laurence Olivier, 100 meters south of the Pizza Hut on Paseo Colón, 2222-1034, www.AfroKon.net.

Festival Fin Del Mundo Viejo: an artisan and gastronomy fair celebrating the ushering in of a new era, Dec. 17-23, Esterones de Sámara, https://www.facebook.com/events/333091793444803/.

Midnight Conspiracy: say goodbye to the world with moody rock band Midnight Conspiracy, Dec. 21, 9 p.m., El Steinworth, on Calle 1 between Avenidas 0 and 1, San José, http://www.facebook.com/elsteinvorth.

End of the World Party: celebrate the end of the world with DJ Sebas Serrut and plenty of drink specials, Dec. 21, 8 p.m., Bar Nena, San Pedro, San José, 8708-4772.

Solstice Gathering 2012: a gathering for prayer, meditation and special ceremonies to embrace the new era, Dec. 20-21, PachaMama, located 10 km north of Nosara off the coastal road to Tamarindo between Ostional and San Juanillo, www.pachamama.com.

Fin del Mundo Metal: rock out for the end of the world with live metal bands, Dec. 21, 9 p.m., Mundoloco El Chante, the southeast corner of Banco Popular, San Pedro, San José, 2253-4125.