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HomeTopicsArts and CultureSpanish mega-star, haunted houses, and other happenings around Costa Rica

Spanish mega-star, haunted houses, and other happenings around Costa Rica

Music: Bebe

Born and raised in Spain, songstress Bebe became an international superstar with her hits “Malo” and “Ella” in the early 2000s. But after she wowed judges at the 2005 Latin Grammy Awards, Bebe decided to take a break. She recorded some songs, acted in some movies, and basically took it easy. Well, now she’s back – enjoying a Central American tour and spreading her folk-rock sound. Catch this gutsy cantautor at the National Auditorium next Tuesday.

Bebe plays July 8 at the National Auditorium, San José. 8 p.m. 20,000-30,000 ($40-60). Info: Publitickets.

World Cup: Holland vs. Costa Rica

The game everyone’s been waiting for. Prepare thyself.

The game starts at 2 p.m. on Sat., July 5. Visit designated “fan zones” in the Plaza de la Democracia or Avenida Escazú for public hi-def screenings. Check out all of our World Cup coverage by clicking on the hashtag #Brazil 2014.

“The Underworld of Athan”

No need to wait for Halloween: “The Underworld of Athan” is a terrifying creep-fest in the middle of the Parque Diversiones amusement park.

“El Inframundo de Athan” continues through July 13 at Parque Diversiones, San José. Daily, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. 1,700-3,100 ($3.50 – $6). Info: Parque Diversiones website.

Music: Second International Calypso Festival

One of the Caribbean’s most revered musical genres takes center stage this weekend, thanks to the International Calypso Festival. Artists include Johnny Dixon, Cantoamérica, Calypso Limón Legends, and many more.

Festival performs July 4-6 at the Alfredo Gonzales Flores Park, Cahuita, Limón Province. Musicians perform all day. Free. Info: Event Facebook page.

Music: Manuel María Gutiérrez Symphony Orchestra

The young musicians of SINEM perform classical arrangements at the National Theater, conducted by guest director Ariel Britos of Uruguay.

Orchestra performs July 6 at the National Theater, downtown San José. 7 p.m. 1,000 ($2). Info: National Theater website.

Dance: “The Navel” and “The Self and Others”

Rosaval Gaspard Projects presents two original dance pieces co-produced by Costa Rican and Ecuadorean artists.

“El Ombligo” and “Lo Propio y Lo Ajeno” perform Gráfica Génesis, San José. Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m. 4,000 ($8). Info: RedCultura.

Film: “Ivan’s Childhood”

From Soviet director Andrei Tarkovsky, this 1961 drama follows a vengeful boy through Russia during World War II.

“La Infancia de Iván” screens July 5 & 6 at the Joaquín García Monge Museum, Desamparados. Sat., 6:30 p.m.; Sun., 5:30 p.m. ₡2,000 ($4). Info: GAM Cultural.

Music: Carisma de Venus

Jazzy, soft-spoken indie band plays concert at Sótano.

Carisma de Venus plays July 5 at El Sótano, Barrio Amón. 2,000-3,000 ($4-6). Info: El Sótano Facebook page.

Theater: “The Drummer” Children’s Festival

This children’s festival incorporates puppets, skits and storytelling. The story takes its name from Juan Santamaría, Costa Rica’s famous war hero and drummer boy.

El Tamborcillo Festival performs June 29 – July 13 at the Juan Santamaría Museum, Alajuela. Daily at 6 p.m. 500 ($1). 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. 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.

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-round 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.

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