No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsArts and CultureMasquerade parades in Costa Rica through Plaza de la Cultura

Masquerade parades in Costa Rica through Plaza de la Cultura

The “máscaras” are made of papier-mâché and often stand 10 feet in the air. Their faces are funny, scary, friendly, and malformed – but never ordinary. The “gigante” mask isn’t so much a mask as a giant body puppet. Operators strap into the oversized outfit, use a tiny window to breathe, and dance like there’s no tomorrow.

What better way to celebrate Halloween?

The Center for the Investigation and Conservation of Cultural Heritage hosted a colorful showcase of traditional Costa Rican masks in its great hall, where hundreds of people gathered yesterday morning to hear about these remarkable works. Sponsored by the Culture Ministry, the one-day exhibit incorporated 58 large masks and 54 smaller samples, which were spread throughout two floors. While the 25 contributing artists used traditional methods and styles, their masks were all created for a contest organized by the ministry.

Representatives Fernando González from the Center and Fresia Camacho of the ministry described the masks’ history and significance to a packed house, then handed out awards to the winners.

The art form dates back to Costa Rica’s colonial period, when the masks were influenced by Spanish, African and indigenous traditions. Faces represent a variety of Costa Rican archetypes (policeman, farmer) and folk characters (the Headless Priest is a Halloween favorite). The technique got a boost in the early 20th century from the Martínez family of Cartago, whose high quality máscarasbecame nationally recognized.

Shortly after 11:30 a.m., performers scrambled into their masks and started to filter from the building. They marched down Avenida Central, guided by a brass quintet, and by the time they started to whirl and dance in the Plaza de la Cultura, the procession had attracted hundreds of revelers. Costa Rica isn’t known for its trick-or-treating or bobbing for apples, but the costumes were unparalleled.

Trending Now

Retired Nicaraguan Army Captain Sentenced to 50 Years for Treason

A retired military officer was sentenced to 50 years in prison in Nicaragua for the crime of "treason against the homeland," his family denounced...

2025 Gold Cup: Honduras Advances After Dramatic Shootout, Mexico Ends Goal Drought

Honduras, with a surprising and dramatic penalty shootout victory over Panama, and Mexico, with a lackluster win against Saudi Arabia, advanced Saturday to the...

Costa Rica and U.S. Strengthen Border Scans and Biometric Cooperation

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem met Wednesday with Honduran President Xiomara Castro to discuss security and migration, following her offer in Costa...

U.S. – Guatemala Security Pact Targets Crime and Helps Returning Migrants

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem signed a border security cooperation agreement with Guatemala on Thursday, which includes the use of drones and...

Panama Regains Control of Bocas del Toro After Violent Protests

Panama’s government has regained control of Bocas del Toro province after months of violent anti-government protests sparked by pension reforms, officials announced. The unrest,...

Costa Rica Surf Film Festival Honors ‘Pura Vida Bodysurfing’ with Top Audience Award

Pura Vida Bodysurfing is an award-winning short film that strips surfing back to its essence—riding waves without a surfboard. Filmed across Costa Rica’s legendary...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica