Little Devils’ games
When the Spanish invaded Costa Rica, the Boruca people tried to scare them off with devil masks – and the tactic actually worked. See these demonic decorations and learn about the age-old tradition at the “Juegos de Diablitos,” or “Little Devils’ Games,” in the Boruca community of Rey Curré.
Los Juegos de los Diablitos take place Jan. 24-26. Rey Curré, 30 kilometers southeast of Buenos Aires, in the Southern Zone. Fri. and Sat., 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sun., 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Info: SiCultura.
San José in black and white
A century ago, San José had streetcars, horse-drawn wagons and cobbled streets. But over the decades, skyscrapers rose out of the colonial neighborhoods and motorways cut through town. Visit the photographic exhibit “San José in Black and White” and see how the city has dramatically transformed. Meanwhile, browse modern photographs crowd-sourced from Chepe’s residents in 2013, all curated by the National Archives.
Exhibit continues through March. National Archives, Zapote. Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info: archivonacional.go.cr.
LimeCoral Surfing Competition
Check out 144 surfers as they duke it out on Caribbean waves. The LimeCoral Caribbean Classic II will draw thousands of spectators to the tiny town of Playa Cocles, where they will watch the experts hang ten. Catch reggae band Un Rojo and a rollicking bikini contest Saturday night.
The competition takes place Jan. 25 and 26, Hotel Isla Inn, Playa Cocles, Limón. Sat., 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. Info: Event’s Facebook page.
Finca 6
What was life like in Costa Rica before the arrival of Europeans, and how do we know about it? Finca 6 is an exhibit about Pre-Columbian people and the archaeologists who study them, courtesy the National Museum.
National Museum, San José. Tue.-Sun., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. ₡1,000-₡3,000 ($2-6). Info: museocostarica.go.cr.
House of Artists exhibition and classes
Escuela Casa del Artista is the perfect training ground for amateur artists. This week, students show their work at the school in Guadalupe, and new students can start signing up for fine arts classes in February.
East Cultural Center, Guadalupe. Info: Museum of Costa Rican Art Website.
National Costa Rican Poetry Day
When he was young, Jorge Debravo (1938-1967) wrote his first stanzas on banana paper. Today Debravo is among Costa Rica’s most celebrated poets. His birthday, Jan. 31, is National Costa Rican Poetry Day. Keep an eye out for readings and homages, and maybe invest in a copy of Debravo’s “Los Despiertos” (“The Awakened Ones”).
Palmares Festival winds down
The madcap festival comes to an end on Monday, leaving one final weekend of boozing and bullfights.
The Palmares Festival continues through Jan. 27. Palmares, Alajuela Province. Free. Info: fiestaspalmares.com.
Screening: “The Other Side of the Bed”
You’ve heard of love triangles, but in Emilio Martínez Lazáro’s 2002 comedy “El Otro Lado de la Cama,” it’s more like a love hexagon. See how complicated affairs can get at this free screening, courtesy Ciclo de Cine.
Spanish Cultural Center, Barrio Escalante. 7 p.m. Free. Info: Cinema Center Website.
Music: Diesel
Diesel covers grunge favorites at Jazz Café Escazú. See what life would be like if flannel never went out of style.
Jazz Café, Escazú. Jan. 24. 4,000 ($8). Info: Jazz Café Website.
Tribute Band: The BeaGirls
Imagine there’s no heaven … imagine a Beatles cover band showcasing all-female performers. The BeaGirls play San Pedro.
Concert Jan. 25 at Mundoloco el Chante, San Pedro. 3,000 ($6). Info: BeaGirls Facebook Page.
American Football
Get your American football fix in Costa Rica. Two live games will take place in the Central Valley: the Dragons vs. the Bears, then the Toros vs. the Bulldogs.
Games take place Jan. 25 at Pipilo Umaña Stadium, San Vicente. 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. ₡2,000, or Free for children 12 and under. Info: www.AmericanFootballCR.com,
Classic Guitar
Cuban musician Jorge Luis Zamora plays classic guitar stylings at the swank new establishment St. Moritz Restaurante Mirador. Fine dining, fine music – even a spectacular view.
Concert takes place Fri., Jan. 24 at St. Moritz Restaurante Mirador, San Antonio de Escazú. Info: Restaurant’s Facebook page.
