No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsArts and CulturePhotos of the agony and ecstasy at the Zapote bullfights in Costa...

Photos of the agony and ecstasy at the Zapote bullfights in Costa Rica

Love ’em or hate ’em, the controversial bullfights at Zapote, the heart of the annual year-end festivities there, are synonymous with New Year’s in Costa Rica. Here are a few images of this year’s encounters between the bulls and the improvisados who gain a free pass into the main event by heading into the ring to test their luck (or wear it out completely).

Costa Rica's traditional Zapote bullfighting festival.
AFP PHOTO / EZEQUIEL BECERRA
Costa Rica's traditional Zapote bullfighting festival.
AFP PHOTO / EZEQUIEL BECERRA
Costa Rica's traditional Zapote bullfighting festival.
AFP PHOTO / EZEQUIEL BECERRA
Costa Rica's traditional Zapote bullfighting festival.
AFP PHOTO / EZEQUIEL BECERRA

Trending Now

Costa Rica Clears Way for “Macho Coca” Extradition to U.S.

Costa Rican courts have cleared the final domestic obstacle blocking the extradition of Gilbert Bell Fernández, known as “Macho Coca,” to the United States,...

IKEA Begins Costa Rica Rollout: Start Practicing Your Allen Wrench Skills Now

IKEA is moving closer to opening in Costa Rica, and the country’s future furniture shoppers may want to start getting familiar with flat-pack boxes,...

Costa Rica Rolls Out Plan as El Niño Officially Arrives

El Niño is no longer a forecast for Costa Rica. It's here. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed Thursday that the...

How Many People Have Visited All of Costa Rica’s National Parks?

The honest answer is that no one really knows. Costa Rica has no official record for people who have visited every national park in...

Costa Rica’s Landmark Same-Sex Marriage Stands as Court Tosses Annulment Case

A family court has rejected the Costa Rican government's long-running attempt to annul our country's first same-sex marriage, reaffirming the 2015 union of Laura...

La Carpio Shows Signs of Change After Years Marked by Poverty

Years ago the name La Carpio stood for extreme poverty, homes made of corregated metal and recycled wood, and high crime. That's all changed....

Costa Rica’s New Tourism Chief Bets on Looser Rules and More Flights

Costa Rica's new tourism boss is moving to slash red tape and widen our country's international flight map, signaling a more business-friendly approach that...

Panama World Cup Travel Brings Busier Days to Airport

Tocumen International Airport is preparing for one of its busiest travel stretches of the year as the 2026 World Cup sends a wave of...

US Restricts Visas for Nicaraguan Officials After Brooklyn Rivera’s Death

The US State Department announced Monday that it will restrict visa access for over 100 Nicaraguan officials and their family members following the death...
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel