No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeEventsParty like it's 1996: Backstreet Boys captivate packed crowd at Parque Viva

Party like it’s 1996: Backstreet Boys captivate packed crowd at Parque Viva

More than 25 years after they were formed, the Backstreet Boys performed in Costa Rica for the first time.

Their Friday night show at Parque Viva in Alajuela began with a teaser: Though it was the Backstreet Boys’ inaugural appearance in Costa Rica, maybe the country won’t have to wait so long for the next one.

Then, for the next two hours, the five-man pop group showcased some of their biggest hits — “I Want It That Way,” “As Long as You Love Me,” and “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back),” among others — while featuring songs from their latest album, DNA.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

The Backstreet Boys visited Costa Rica for the first time, captivating a packed crowd at Parque Viva. #BSB

A post shared by The Tico Times (@theticotimes) on

The best-selling boy band of all time knew how to win over the crowd: They spoke in a mix of Spanish and English — dropping the Tico catchphrase, “pura vida” — and carried a Costa Rican flag.

Kevin Richardson received the biggest cheers of the night as he performed admirably despite suffering from vertigo.

As the lights went down after an enthralling performance, one thing was certain: If the Backstreet Boys indeed return to Costa Rica, they’ve earned a warm welcome back.

Trending Now

Christina Aguilera Gives Rare Glimpse Into Family Life in Costa Rica

Pop icon Christina Aguilera is giving fans a rare and heartwarming window into her life as a mom, sharing a video recap of her...

Humanitarian aid flotilla arrives in crisis-hit Cuba

The first boat in a flotilla carrying medical supplies, food, and solar panels arrived in Cuba on Tuesday to help the island as a...

Growing Old in Costa Rica as an Expat and Immigrant

There are no readily available numbers for the number of foreigners, meaning non-Ticos, who die in Costa Rica each year. Between drownings, car crashes,...

Costa Rica Named Best Nature Destination at Forbes Travel Awards 2026

Costa Rica added another international tourism accolade this week after being named Best Nature Destination at the inaugural Forbes Travel Awards 2026, a distinction...

Costa Rica shuttles to Bocas del Toro run daily with WiFi and border help

Travelers heading from Costa Rica to Panama’s Bocas del Toro islands now rely on shuttle services that run twice daily. The comfortable vehicles come...

Costa Rica Migration Chief Admits No Plan for US Migrant Deal

Confusion over Costa Rica’s new agreement with the United States to receive deported migrants grew Tuesday as the director of migration said his office...
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica