Tropical Market
Just in time for your holiday shoping list, the annual Tropical Market returns with the best from Costa Rican artisans. Artwork, crafts, natural cosmetics, gourmet products, independent publications, local food products, and more.
“Mercado Tropical” takes place Dec. 5 – 7 at Casa del Cuño, next to La Antigua Aduana, San José, and Dec. 18 – 20 at Mercado Antiguo, Ciudad Colón. Free. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. More info: Mercado Tropical Facebook page.
La Luz Gastronomic Festival
16 restaurants of Barrio Escalante get together to bring La Luz Street (33rd Street) to life, showing visitors the neighborhood’s gastronomic potential. The festival will feature live music, art and lectures throughout the day. See our preview, also in today’s edition, for more.
“Paseo Gastronómico La Luz” takes place Dec. 6 along La Luz Street (33rd Street), Barrio Escalante, San José. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Free. More info: Paseo Gastronómico La Luz Facebook page.
Bright Lights Boat Parade
Christmas motifs will light up 20 boats during at parade and contest at Marino Pez Vela Hotel, Quepos, followed by fireworks.
“Bright Lights Boat Parade” takes place Dec. 5 at Marino Pez Vela Hotel, in Quepos. More info: Call 2774-9000.
International Film Festival
Approximately 45 films from all around the world will be screened at this year’s festival. Locations include the Magaly Theater, 1887 Theater, La Aduana Theater, and National Cultural Center (CENAC) Amphitheater, from Dec. 11 – 18. Check the whole program here.
“Festival Internacional de Cine” takes place Dec. 10 – 18 at various theaters of San José. ₡1,000 – 1,500 ($2 – 3), free for seniors. More info: Festival Internacional de Cine Facebook page. Buy your tickets here.
Maná Concert
Two years after its last concert in Costa Rica, Mexican rock band Maná is returning to Costa Rica this Saturday, offering a concert as part of its “Cama Incendiada” tour.
“Concierto Maná” takes place Dec. 5 at Saprissa Stadium, Tibás. ₡15,000 – 70,000 ($30 – 140). 7 p.m. More info: ETicket Website.
Anniversary of La Fortina Theater
Celebrating its first anniversary, La Fortina Theater in Heredia, is presenting an opera concert by soprano Graciela Vargas and tenor Gabriel Blanco featuring famous pieces from “Carmen,” “The Marriage of Figaro,” and “Don Giovanni.” Also at the theater this month: a Christmas play by famous Costa Rican puppeteer Juan Cuentacuentos. “Gangoche Christmas” describes a humble but hopeful Christmas Eve.
Opera Concert takes place Dec. 5 at 8 p.m., ₡8,000 ($16). “Gangoche Christmas” takes place Dec. 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, and 23. ₡7,000 ($14). Both events at La Fortuna Theater, Paseo de las Flores, Heredia. More info: 2560-7777.
Picnic at the River
Picnic at the river is back after being delayed in September because of heavy rains. Approximately 24 picnics will take place this Sunday at several rivers around Costa Rica. Some of the activities planed include, yoga workshops, participatory activities, tree planting, archery lessons, frisbee, participative art, games, and cultural activities. Each picnic will be different. Here‘s the map of picnics nationwide.
“Picnic en el río” takes place Dec. 6 at different rivers around Costa Rica. Free. More info on all picnics: Río Urbano Facebook page.
Kuri Festival
The annual Kuri Festival, taking place at La Antigua Aduana in San José, will feature activities such as a Cosplay Contest, Karaoke anime, video games, contests, martial arts, Costa Rican live music and more.
“Festival Kuri” takes place Dec. 5 – 6 at La Antigua Aduana, downtown San José. One day ₡4,000 ($8), both days ₡6,000 ($12). Children under 11, senior citizens free. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. More info: Kuri Festival Facebook page.
Staged Narration of “A Christmas Carol”
The Little Theatre Group will celebrate its firs Christmas at their new home 7 performances of a stage narration of Charles Dickens traditional story, “A Christmas Carol”.
“Staged Narration of A Christmas Carol” will be performed Dec. 9 – 13. Wed- Fri: 7:30 p.m. Sat – Sun: 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Entry is by donation. The suggested donation is ₡6,000 ($12) adults, and ₡3,000 ($6) children and students. Reservations are required. More info: Little Theatre Group Website or 8858-1446
Christmas Tree Fair
If you don’t have your Christmas tree already, this is your opportunity: During the fair you will be able to choose from a whopping 4,000 trees, priced between ₡10,000 – 20,000 (approximately $20 – 40). Metal bases for trees, decoration, food, and more will also be sold. Free parking.
“Feria del Árbol Navideño” takes place Dec. 4 – 6 at Plaza de Deportes, Llano Bonito, Alajuela. Free. Fri: 12 noon – 11 p.m. Sat – Sun: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. More info: 8796-8149.
Upcoming Concerts
Zópilot!: Costa Rican progressive rock band Zópilot! will offert its farewell concert after 8 years. Dec. 4 at Magaly Theater. 8 p.m. ₡6,000 ($12). More info: Chivoscr Website.
ZeptoSegundo: The progressive rock band will be presenting its new album. Dec. 5 at La Villa Arte Club, Ciudad Quesada. 9:30 p.m. ₡3,000 ($6). More info: La Villa Arte Club Facebook page.
Rock Festival to Benefit Children: Rock concert to collect Christmas gifts for 335 children of Punta Burica. Dec.6 at Salón de Eventos Cocobolo, Desamparados. The cost will be a donated gift for a child. 11 a.m. More info: call 6434-2430.
