Arts, culture and Mother’s Day: the week ahead in Costa Rica

The long Mother’s Day weekend is upon us – and as usual, Costa Rica will be full of events to celebrate what is arguably the country’s most beloved holiday. In this special edition of our Calendar, check out a few of our favorite ways to treat Mom this year, from great eats to live music to shopping.

Barceló San José

Hotel Barceló San José has three different delicious meals prepared. At El Rancho Grill, families can enjoy a poolside meal including a welcome cocktail, appetizer, main course with a choice of dishes, and desserts, plus a children’s menu, live music and raffles. Sunday, August 14 and Monday, August 15, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. $50 for two people and $25 for a third person. More info.: 2220-2034 ext. 646

At the hotel’s Restaurante Miyako, a special Asian menu for Mother’s Day includes a welcome cocktail, appetizer, main course, beverage and dessert. Friday, August 12 – Monday, August 15, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. $35  per person. More info.: 2220-2034 ext. 715

Finally, Restaurante Ánfora will offer a buffet-style lunch which, as with the other restaurants’ menus, will include a welcome cocktail, appetizer,main course and various dessert options. Fruit juices and sodas are included in the price of the meal. While celebrating your mother’s special day, you’ll be able to listen to live music, have your picture taken with your mother, and participate in raffles. Sunday, August 14 and Monday, August 15, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. Starting at $43. More info.: 2220-2034 ext. 715

Celebrate with your mother along with delicious Asian cuisine. (Courtesy of Hotel Barceló)

Manos Emprendedoras Organic Fair

Want to treat the moms in your life, while also contributing to the family businesses of other hard-working mothers? Do some last-minute gift shopping (or take mom along so she can sample the wares) at the Manos Emprendedoras Organic Fair, which offers various products such as jewelry, soaps and creams. All of the products are handcrafted and designed by entrepreneurial mothers who seek to expose their organic handcrafted products. Sunday, August 14 and Monday, August 15 at Plaza Real Cariari. No entrance fee.

Buy handcrafted and organic gifts for mom at the Manos Emprendedoras Organic Fair. (Via Facebook/Mano a Mano)

Francisca Carrasco Bicentennial

An unusual and inspiring way to celebrate Mother’s Day this year: learning more about one of Costa Rica’s most fearless women. Francisca “Pancha” Carrasco learned to read and write at a time when women didn’t go to school, led a female brigade through the streets in the 1840s to protest dictator Francisco Morazán, and in 1856 put her shooting skills to work in order to help the Costa Rican forces recover a cannon at the Battle of Rivas. To mark the bicentennial of her birth, events including music, theater and dance are planned. Friday, August 12 – Sunday, August 14, Juan Santamaría Museum in Alajuela.

Mercado Tropical: Mother’s Day Edition

It might just be the mother of all markets: the popular Mercado Tropical has prepared a Mother’s Day edition featuring many of Costa Rica’s best design, gourmet products, emerging artists, natural cosmetics, independent publishers and food, all in one place. In addition to some serious shopping, the market will offer free workshops and concerts. Saturday, August 13 (1 p.m. – 8 p.m.) and Sunday, August 14 (11 a.m. – 8 p.m.) at the Polideportivo de Barrio Aranjuez, San José. No entrance fee.

The Mercado Tropical has a wide offer of different products for mothers. (Via Mercado Tropical’s Facebook)

Live Music

Want to take mom to a show? There are more Mother’s Day concerts this weekend than we can count: check out a west-side serenade, jazz over curry, or classic tunes from AutenTicos por Siempre at the National Stadium.

Did we miss your favorite event to celebrate motherhood? Let us know for next year!