International “Typical Food” Fair
As every gallo pinto fan knows, there is nothing typical about comida tipica. Organized by the Inter-American Institute of Agricultural Cooperation, the International Typical Food Fair incorporates all kinds of food, music and dancing from across the country. Aside from the mariachi bands and old-fashioned games, you may also enter a raffle to win a three-night cruise from Miami to the Bahamas. ¡Buen provecho!
La Feria de Comidas Internacionales takes place in Vásquez de Coronado, San José. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. ₡1,000 ($2). IICA Facebook page.
Giant Art Event: “100 in a Day”
Inspired by a similar citywide “intervention” in Bogotá, Colombia, the first-ever “100 in a Day” is designed to celebrate San José with a series of pop-up workshops, flash mobs, performances and avant-garde art. (“Story Marathon” anyone?). Look out for different groups in downtown San José on Saturday, or visit the website to receive information (times are public, but locations are a surprise). True to its title, “100” has precisely 100 different activities to choose from, most of them in parks, streets and other outdoors spaces.
“100 En Un Día” takes place June 21 across San José. Info: 100 En Un Día website.
Another Giant Art Event: “Nebulosa”
Put together by activist-artist Colectivo PLOP, “Nebulosa” is a two-day grassroots art event, showcasing independent photography, design, installations and sound.
“Nebulosa” takes place June 21 & 22 at Tienda Nasional Skateboard, downtown San José. Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m. ₡2,500-3,000 ($5-6). Info: Event Facebook page.
Dance: “The History of Colors”
Renowned choreographer María Amalia Pendones presents this elegant contemporary ballet.
“La Historia de los Colores” performs June 21 & 22 at the National Theater, downtown San José. Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. General admission, ₡5,500 ($11); Students, ₡3,500 ($7). Info: Teatro Nacional website.
Ronald McDonald House Golf Tournament
This golf tournament fundraiser is open to everyone from professional golfers to amateurs. Proceeds benefit the 3-month-old Ronald McDonald House in San José.
Tournament takes place June 21 at Valle del Sol, Santa Ana. 7 a.m. Registration $150. Info: 2282-9922.
Youth Symphony Orchestra
This special concert celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Coopesain health cooperative.
Concert takes place June 21 at the Iglesia San Juan Bautista, Tibás. 7 p.m. Free. Info: RedCultura.
Art: “Dirty Game”
Costa Rican artist José Miguel Rojas González explores the nature of winning and losing in this subversive series.
“Juego Sucio” continues through Oct. 11 at the Central Bank Museum, Plaza de la Cultura, San José. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ₡5,500 ($11). Info: Museos Banco Central website.
Exhibit: “Cathedrals of Soccer”
This photographic exhibit illustrates the beauty of the soccer field – not the game itself, but the stadiums where games take place.
“Catedrales del Fútbol” continues through Aug. 1 at the Spanish Cultural Center, Barrio Escalante. Mon.-Thu., 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Fri., 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Info: Centro Cultural de España website.
Film: “Cul-de-Sac”
This psychological thriller by Roman Polanski shows what happens when a gangster holds a couple hostage in their own castle.
“Callejón Sin Salida” screens June 21 & 22 at the Joaquín García Monge Museum, Desamparados. Fri., 6:30 p.m.; Sat., 5:30 p.m. ₡2,000 ($4). Info: GAM Cultural.
Film: “One: The History of a Goal”
In the middle of a bloody civil war, El Salvador still sent its team to Spain to compete in the 1982 World Cup. Find out what happened in this powerful documentary.
“Uno: La Historia de un Gol” screens at the Spanish Cultural Center, Barrio Escalante. 7 p.m. Free. Info: Centro Cultural de España website.
Theater: “Run for Your Wife”
What’s worse than one dysfunctional marriage? How about two? Teatro El Triciclo presents this polygamous farce by Ray Cooney. See how the jokes translate in a Spanish-language production.
“¡Corre Por Tu Mujer!” plays at Plaza Tempo, Barrio Lujan, San José. Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m. ₡5,000 ($10). Info: Teatro El Triciclo website.
Art: “The Day We Became Contemporary”
The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design celebrates 20 years of cutting-edge arts with a comprehensive, retrospective showcase.
“El Día Que Nos Hicimos Contemporáneos” continues through Sept. 5 at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, Downtown San José. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Residents ₡1,000 ($2), foreigners ₡1,500 ($3), students ₡500 ($1). Info: MADC website.
Drawings by Fernando Carballo
Master draftsman displays his diverse body of work at Casa del Artista.
Exhibit continues through June 30 at Casa del Artista, Guadalupe. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Info: Official website.
Art: “A Family Portrait of Helvetica”
This dual exhibit features a fascinating exploration on the typeface Helvetica, by artist Mimiam Hsu.
“Retrato Familiar en Helvética” and “Ojalá el Sol Me Esconda” display through June 28 TEOR/éTica Gallery, Barrio Amón. Free. Info: TEOR/éTica website.
Art: Great Painters Exhibit
Paintings by Picasso, Matisse, Renoir and Andy Warhol arrive in Costa Rica. Presented by the National Gallery, this collection incorporates 158 artworks and celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture, based in the former penitentiary.
“Herencia del Arte” takes place April 28–June 28 at the National Gallery in Barrio Mexico. Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Info: National Gallery website.
Theater: “Journey to the Center of the Earth”
The classic Jules Verne science-fiction story receives an innovative Spanish-language adaptation at Teatro Espressivo. Enjoy this family-friendly afternoon adventure.
“Viaje al Centro de la Tierra” takes place May 8-July 13, Teatro Espressivo, Tres Ríos, Cartago. Sat. & Sun., 3 p.m. ₡6,000 ($12). Info: Teatro Espressivo website.
Theater: “Baroque Café”
A variety of Spanish-language one-act plays make up this comic revue.
“Café Barroco” takes place through July 6, Teatro Espressivo, Tres Ríos, Cartago. Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m. ₡5,000-10,000 ($10-20). Info: Teatro Espressivo website.
Enamorate de tu ciudad
Yes, you can get gaga for San José – especially when the Culture Ministry is sponsoring Enamorate de tu ciudad, or Fall in Love With Your City, a year-long celebration of art, culture and urban parks. Check back for games, workshops, presentations and surprise performances.
Fall in Love with Your City takes place on Saturdays in various parks in downtown San José. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info: Enamorate de tu Ciudad website.
