International Arts Festival (FIA)
One of the most anticipated cultural events of the year, FIA brings together hundreds of artists, crafters, buskers, and musicians to San José for a colossal celebration of Costa Rican creativity. Unlike previous incarnations, this year’s FIA will take place in the low-income district of Alajuelita and the surrounding towns of Acosta, Aserrí and Desamparados. Nowhere in the country will you find such an incredible array of talent, including circus acts La Carpa, Los Malafachas, and Los Zancudos. The “Design Fair” alone draws more than 150 different designers. Not sure where to start? Stay tuned for The Tico Times’ festival guide.
FIA takes place April 23 – May 3 in various locations throughout Acosta, Alajuelita, Aserrí, and Desamparados. Schedule to be announced on the festival’s official website.
Feria del Gustico
Peruse everything from clay vases to strawberry jam at this massive showcase of Costa Rican artisans.
Feria takes place April 17-19 at Antigua Aduana, Aranjuez. Free. Info: Event Facebook page.
Music: Caricaco Festival
Set against the secluded beaches and rain forests of Guanacaste, this epic music festival features an incredible lineup: Un Rojo Reggae Band, 424, Ave Negra, Passiflora, Cocofunka, and (of course) Sonámbulo Psicotropical.
Festival continues April 17 & 18 in Nosara, Guanacaste. Fri. & Sat., 4 p.m. ₡24,000 ($48). Info: Official website.
Food: Festival Gastronómico La Luz
Take a stroll through the hip neighborhood of Escalante for a taste of different eateries and brew pubs – from L’Ancora to Costa Rica Beer Factory.
Festival takes place April 19 throughout Barrio Escalante, San José. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Info: Event Facebook page.
National Yoga Festival
Bust out the mats and water bottles – this massive gathering of yogis will help you stretch, perfect your positioning, and maybe even find a new spiritual path. All ages and skill levels encouraged.
Festival Nacional de Yoga takes place April 16-19 at CENAC, downtown San José. Thu.-Sun., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ₡1,000-5,000 ($2-10). Info: Event Facebook page.
Theater: “Chronicle of a Death Foretold”
What if you plotted a murder and told an entire town about your intentions, but no one bothered to warn the victim? Gabriel García Márquez’s novel receives a stage adaptation at Teatro Espressivo.
“Crónica de una Muerte Anunciada” opens April 9 at Teatro Espressivo, Tres Rios. Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m. ₡7,500-10,000 ($15-20). Info: Teatro Espressivo website.
Theater: “La Bruta Espera”
Three short, darkish comedies by Argentinean dramatist Julio Chávez are performed at the Vargas Calvo black box theater, courtesy of the National Theater. The talented actresses Tatiana y María Chaves won a national award last year for the performance.
“La Bruta Espera” continues through April 26 at the Vargas Calvo Theater, downtown San José. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. ₡2,500-5,500. Info: National Theater website.
Art: “Microcosmos”
Experimental paintings by Rolando Faba make their debut at the José Luis López Escarré Gallery.
“Microcosmos” continues through May 8 at The National Theater, downtown San José. Free. Info: National Theater website.
Art: Albrecht Dürer, Renaissance Genius
Classical German printer Albrecht Dürer receives a stunning retrospective at the Central Bank Museums.
“Alberto Durero: Genio del Renacimiento” is on display through April 26 at the Central Bank Museums, downtown San José. Daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ₡5,500 ($11). Info: Museum website.
