Fiestas de Palmares
One of the biggest community events of the year, the Palmares festival attracts hordes of people from across the country for a saturnalia of beer, music, and horsemanship. This year’s festival will be headlined by Cultura Profética, the acclaimed reggae outfit. (Concert takes place Jan. 18 at 12 p.m.) There is also the beloved tope (or horse parade) on Jan. 15, plus the annual Comedy Festival on Jan. 16, for folks who can keep up with the Spanish-language humor.
Las Fiestas de Palmares take place Jan. 14-26 in downtown Palmares. Free. Info: Palmares Facebook page, or read The Tico Times preview here.
Theater: “The House of the Spirits”
Isabel Allende’s masterpiece comes to life during this stage adaptation by U.S. playwright Caridad Svich. After last year’s extremely successful run, Teatro Espressivo revives the Spanish-language production for a second round.
“La Casa de los Espiritus” runs Jan. 15 – Feb. 15 at Teatro Espressivo, Tres Ríos. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m. ₡10,000-15,000 ($20-30). Info: Teatro Espressivo website.
Sports: Copa de Café
Costa Rica’s premiere tennis tournament continues through the end of the weekend. See which junior player triumphs.
Copa de Café continues through Jan. 10 at the Escazú Country Club. ₡3,000-6,500 ($6-13). Info: Official website.
Film: “Maikol Yordan”
From the madcap minds of “Media Docena,” the hit Costa Rican sketch show, comes their first feature film, a comedy about the well-meaning yokel Maikol Yordan. How will this goofy campesino fare on his globe-trotting tour? Find out by catching this super-Tico comedy at almost any local movie theater.
“Maikol Yordan” screens at various cinemas across the country. For more information about the film, visit the official Facebook page.
Comedy: Hernán Jiménez
Hernan Jimenez is one of the most successful stand-up comedians in Costa Rica, as well as the director of the acclaimed dramedy “El Regreso.” His latest routine is “¡Así Quien No!” (“Easy As Pie”), and if you have a good grasp of Spanish and Tico culture, Jiménez’s ultra-local riffs pack a wallop.
“Así Quien No” takes place Jan. 9 & 10 at Jazz Café, Escazú. 8 p.m. Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m. ₡10,000 ($20). Info: JazzCafé website.
Exhibit: “Juan Rafael Mora”
Recognized for his muttonchops and paternal demeanor, Juan Rafael Monge is widely considered the Abraham Lincoln of Costa Rica. The National Archives displays images of this founding father to the public.
Exhibit continues through Feb. 28 at the National Archives, Zapote. Free. Info: Archives website.
