The International Arts Festival (FIA) returns to San José from March 20 to 29 for its 37th edition. The public event brings more than 450 artists from 12 countries for about 70 activities. The Minister of Culture and Youth, Jorge Rodríguez Vives, announced the details at the Costa Rican Art Museum. The festival stands as part of the Ministry of Culture and Youth’s ongoing cultural policy. The Ministry organizes the event with support from Banco Popular.
La Sabana Metropolitan Park serves as the main venue and stays open to the public. Two main stages, a food court, a children’s area, spaces for artistic interventions, and a boulevard with 100 cultural, publishing, and craft projects form the setup at the park. The opening ceremony takes place on March 20 at the main stage with performances by selected Costa Rican bands. American composer Frank Ticheli directs the bands.
The program reaches other locations as well: the Costa Rican Art Museum, the Old Customs House, the National Theater of Costa Rica, the Melico Salazar Popular Theater, the Film Center, the National Center for Culture, and the National Dance Workshop. The activities include music, theater, dance, film, literature, visual arts, street performances, artistic training spaces, and platforms for cultural entrepreneurship. Symphony concerts feature the National Symphony Orchestra and the Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Mexico serves as the guest country. The Mexican program presents folk and contemporary dance, music, theater, film, literature, visual arts, gastronomy, workshops, and conferences. Zapotec director Ivonne Mazas joins the Youth Symphony Orchestra. Jazz performances come from Adrián Oropeza, along with literary gatherings and art exhibitions.
Guest artists perform at La Sabana with national orchestras and groups. They include Mau y Ricky, Ivy Queen, Fonseca, Ovy On The Drums, and Jenny Berggren of Ace of Base. The Spanish company La Fura dels Baus closes the festival with RECONEC. The show involves more than 70 Costa Rican artists in a mix of theater, music, technology, and community participation.
The FIA gives priority to access. It sets 95 percent of the program as free or low cost. Theater performances have a symbolic ticket price based on venue capacity. IMAS beneficiaries get free admission to theater events. BRETE cardholders receive a 50 percent discount. Seniors and students get a 30 percent discount.
This edition places the festival at the heart of public life in our capital with opportunities for many to take part.
