Festival of Afro-Costa Rican Culture
Costa Rica is a country of many cultures, and one of the most influential is the Afro-Caribbean. Each year, El Día de la Persona Negra y Cultura Afrocostarricense celebrates the the Pan-African diaspora in Puerto Limón. Learn about Caribbean customs and cuisine during a long weekend in Costa Rica’s busiest port city. The best part: The annual parade takes place on Sunday, bringing together musicians, dancers, breathtaking costumes, and all the coconut rice you can eat.
Festival continues through Aug. 31 in downtown Limón. Free. Info: SiCultura website.
Dance: Graciela Moreno Choreography Festival
The annual dance festival presents its 31st recital at the National Theater.
Festival takes place Sept. 4-7 at the National Theater, downtown San José. Thu.-Sun., 8 p.m. ₡3,500-5,000 ($7-10). Info: National Theater website.
Cars: “Foose Tour”
Learn about hot rods and classic cars with Chip Foose, star of Discovery Channel’s “Overhaulin’.”
Foose Tour takes place Aug. 30 at Wyndham Hotel, Heredia. 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Info: Chip Foose website.
Theater: “The Collection”
Did Stella and Bill hook up on their business trip? The National Company presents this classic 1961 play by Harold Pinter, here in Spanish translation.
“The Collection” will be performed Aug. 28 – Sept. 21 at Teatro 1887, CENAC building, San José. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun, 7 p.m. ₡4,000 ($8). Info: RedCultura.
Music: Íride Martínez
The acclaimed Costa Rican soprano sings a revue of classic arias.
Concert takes place Aug. 29 at the National Theater, downtown San José. 7 p.m. Info: National Theater website.
Theater: “Sushi’s Journey”
In this case, “Sushi” is a cat – whose life is full of adventure. This children’s show by Pedro José Sánchez is an enlivening afternoon excursion.
“El Viaje de Sushi” continues through Sept. 14 at the Juan Enrique Acuña Theater, Barrio Escalante. Sat., 2 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. ₡3,000 ($6). Info: RedCultura.
“House and Street” Festival
Fourteen artists present multimedia works at this creative cooperative in Barrio Escalante.
“Casa y Calle” continues through Sept. 20 at Casa Batsú, Barrio Escalante. Free. Info: Batsú website.
Music: Sónambulo
The quintessential Costa Rican jam band plays Amón Solar.
Concert takes place Aug. 30 at Amon Solar, Barrio Amón. 8 p.m. ₡3,000 ($6). Info: Amon Solar website.
International Book Fair
Colossal gathering of publishers, editors, writers, and book nuts.
Feria de los Libros continues through Aug. 31 at the Antigua Aduana, Barrio Aranjuez. Free. Info: Fair website.
Art: “Dirty Game”
Costa Rican artist José Miguel Rojas González explores the nature of winning and losing in this subversive series. Read our review here.
“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.
Theater: “Amadeus”
Peter Schaffer’s masterpiece about the life of Mozart (and his bitter rival, Salieri) receives an epic production at Teatro Espressivo.
“Amadeus” plays Aug. 7 – Oct. 12 at Teatro Espressivo, Curridabat. Info: Teatro Espressivo website.
Theater: “Virus”
What is the nature of sickness? Costa Rican playwright Ana Istarú explores this theme in “Virus,” her new drama at the Vargas Calvo Theater.
“Virus” plays through Aug. 31 at the Vargas Calvo Theater, downtown San José. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. ₡5,500 ($11). Info: National Theater 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.
Enamorate de tu ciudad
Yes, you can go 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 out the event site for news on 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 and Facebook page.
Art: Paintings by Fabio Rojas
The artist presents a series of landscapes at the University College of Cartago.
The exhibition will display Aug. 8-29 at the University College of Cartago. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Free. Info: University website.
