San José to celebrate summer with Transitarte

The Costa Rican summer is in full swing, and so is the country’s cultural scene: In a month replete with massive concerts, film screenings, epic races, a major edition of the Art City Tour and the International Design Festival, you may get a severe case of option paralysis.

But the most dynamic event of the month is Transitarte, San José’s citywide arts festival taking place over the course of three action-packed days. Free and open to the public, Transitarte incorporates scores of performances, presentations, and workshops, all set against the leafy backdrop San José’s urban parks. If you’ve got a free day, you can drift effortlessly from one park to another, soaking up the artsy atmosphere.

While you may see more dancers, raconteurs and craftsmen in one afternoon than you might otherwise see in a year, the real treat at Transitarte is its music lineup – so many bands, singer-songwriters, and DJs congregate here that you could spend all afternoon and evening trying to keep up with the breakneck performance schedule.

Because the range of activities is frankly overwhelming, and no single person could attend them all, we have put together some highlights from the festival to help you schedule your long weekend. If you speak fluent Spanish, you will obviously get to enjoy a broader experience, from storytelling to poetry recitals and special classes. If not, you should be able to enjoy any of the following activities without having to bust out the phrasebook:

Friday, March 13

Market of Expression: Crafts fair, Parque Nacional, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Popular Dances: Parque Nacional, 10 a.m.

Danceworks: Dance performance, Parque España, 12 p.m.

Marimba Performance: Parque Nacional, 12 p.m.

Raymond Blanco: Mime, Parque España, 1:30 p.m.

Al Andalus: Premiere flamenco company presents its latest production, “Cone el Alma Aferrada,” Parque Morazán, 6 p.m.

Concert Band of San José: Big-band performance of standards, classics, and Broadway, National Park, 4 p.m.

Saturday, March 14

National Music Festival: Incredible lineup of major Costa Rican bands, from República Fortuna to Sonámbulo, Parque Nacional, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

“The Magic of the Little Earth”: Theatrical performance, Parque Morazán, 10 a.m.

Raíces: Traditional dancing, Parque Morazán, 1:15 p.m.

International Festival of Singer-Songwriters: Afternoon-long mini-festival showcases a range of poetic musicians, from local Alex Piedra to Nicaragua’s Perrozompopo. Parque Morazán, 2–7 p.m.

Dogandul: Live music, Parque Morazán, 7:15 p.m.

The Lubín Barahona Orchestra and The Gentlemen of Rhythm: Music headliners, Parque Morazán, 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 15

Film Festival: Screenings of numerous Costa Rican films, including Esteban Ramírez’s masterpiece, “Gestación.” Metal Building, 1–4 p.m.

Market of Expression: Craft fair, Parque Nacional, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Peregrino Gris: Music, Parque Morazán, 12:30 p.m.

Marfil: Music, Parque Nacional, 1 p.m.

Parabólica: Music, Parque Morazán, 1:45 p.m.

Stockholm Syndrome: Music, Parque Nacional, 2:50 p.m.

Garbanzos: Music, Parque Morazán, 3 p.m.

Infibeat: Music, Parque Nacional, 3:50 p.m.

Zópilot: Music, Parque Morazán, 4:15 p.m.

Luci & The Soul Breakers: Music, Parque Nacional, 5:10 p.m.

DJ Nochi: Music, Parque Morazán, 5:30 p.m.

Percance: Music, Parque Morazán, 6:30 p.m.

Malpaís: Music, Parque Nacional, 6:30 p.m.