Guided visits to the Casa Amarilla
The Foreign Ministry, better known as “La Casa Amarilla” (The Yellow House), will offer guided tours of the historic building, perhaps the government’s most attractive. The visits include a museum onsite and a piece of the Berlin Wall.
Tours take place at the Casa Amarilla in downtown San José, two Saturdays per month during February, March, and April; starting Feb. 6. Free. 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. More info: 2539-5559 or puertasabiertas@rree.go.cr
“Poem Factory”
In celebration of National Poetry Day, the Juan Santamaría Museum in Alajuela will hold a “Poem Factory” with the presence of some of Costa Rica’s most well-known poets, including José María Zonta, Marybelle Obando, Sarita Marchena, Alejandro Chavarría, Sofía Achío and Alfredo Ulloa. There, the public will be able to share and talk with the poets, as well as listen to some of their poems.
“Fábrica de poemas” takes place Jan. 30 at the Cultural and Historic Juan Santamaría Museum in Alajuela. Free. 2 p.m. More info: 2441-4775.
Outdoor movie
The Arthouse Film Library and the program Film for All will have an outdoor screening of the movie “Mommy” at the Plaza de la Democracia. The movie tells the story of a mom who decides to educate her hyperactive children at home instead of sending them to a school for problem children.
“Cine al aire libre” takes place Jan. 29 at Plaza de la Democracia, next to the National Museum. 6:30 p.m. Free. More info: Event’s Facebook page.
Drink and Draw
Drawing session with artist Man Yu, with the presence of a model, live music and drinks. All materials included.
“Drink and Draw” takes place Jan. 30 at Francisco Peralta, Los Yoses. 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. ₡16,000 ($32). More info: 8859-8684 or Event’s Facebook page.
Americans Makah Show
A performance group from the Makah indigenous tribe, of North America, will demonstrate their cultural traditions, including fishing, basket weaving and woodcarving. Costumes and accessories used during the dances are usually made by the person wearing them.
“Espectáculo Indígenas Makah de los Estados Unidos” will be performed Feb. 2 at the National Theater. 8 p.m. ₡6,000 ($12). More info: National Theater Website.
“From Italy, With Love”
The Costa Rican Philharmonic Orchestra will play the most famous songs of Italian musicians such as Claudio Baglioni, Eros Ramazzotti, Andrea Bocelli and Laura Pausini, among others.
“De Italia con amor” will be performed Jan. 29 at the National Theater. 8 p.m. ₡15,000 – 25,000 ($30 – 50). More info: National Theater Website.
Overnight Yoga Camp for Children
The 1-night camp includes 2 yoga classes with a focus on gratitude, a movie and popcorn, storytelling, massage and aromatherapy, and crafts.
“Overnight Yoga Camp” takes place Jan.30 at Ananda Shakti, San José. 6 p.m. ₡23,000 ($46). More info: 2106-0049 or Ananda Shakti Facebook page.
Carpe Café
A tour to learn about different coffee-brewing techniques and the history of San José, all on foot. The tour includes four coffee shops, four coffee tastings, security, and tour guides.
“Carpe Café” takes place Jan. 30 starting at La Cafetera, 2nd Avenue and 11th Street, San José. 3 p.m. $12. For more information email info@carpechepe.com.
Coffee Fair
This year’s edition of the Frailes Coffee Fair in Desamparados, south of San José, inaugurates the country’s very first Coffee Park, which will feature a coffee museum. The four-day fair will feature activities for children and adults, and concerts with bands Los Alegrísimos, La Kuarta, and Pimienta Negra.
“Feria del Café de Frailes” takes place Jan. 28-31 at Los Frailes, Desamparados. Adults ₡1,500 ($3), children ₡1,000 ($2). More info: Feria del Café Facebook page.
“The Government Inspector”
Espressivo Theater kicks off its new season with an adaptation of Nicolai Gogol’s satirical play, a black comedy criticizing the government and corruption. Liubov Otto directs.
“El Inspector” will be performed Jan. 22 – March 20 at Espressivo Theater, Curridabat. Fri.-Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 6 p.m. ₡7,500 – 10,000 ($15-20). More info: Teatro Espressivo Website.
De la Mano con la Calle
The non-governmental organizations Vaso Lleno and Friends of the World are organizing the third edition of the volunteer project “De la mano con la calle” to help the homeless in San José. Participants form teams to walk through the streets and offer support, from food and clothing to medical attention, haircuts and shaves. Most importantly, volunteers will spend time with the homeless and hear their stories. At this edition DEMASA will donate all the food, but you can help by donating clothes, other materials, or money (complete list at the Event page below), or going as a volunteer.
“De la mano con la calle” takes place Jan. 30 starting at 9 a.m. at the Parque España, east-central San José. Everybody is welcome, but those wishing to volunteer need to fill out a form. For that form, as well as a complete list of donations needed and how to contribute, visit the Event’s Facebook page.
National Mule Festival
There will be traditional food and games, dances, horse parades, contests, bullfights, bike and motorcycle competitions, and, of course, the national mule competition.
“Festival Nacional de Mulas” takes place Jan. 21-Feb.21 at Campo Ferial de Asobipa, Parrita, Central Pacific. More info: festival.asobipa03@gmail.com or 8911-1280.
Upcoming Concerts:
Costa Rock 2016: A concert with bands La Milixia, Adaptados, Colemesis, Garbazos, El Guato, Endemia, Mentados, Republica Fortuna, Seka, Totem, Ufo, Xpunkha, and Prockq. Jan. 30 at Club Peppers, Zapote. 12 noon. ₡10,000 ($20). More info: Event’s Facebook page.
Chivo Chamánico: Bands Voodoo, Magpie Jay, and Ramon & the Go Go Dancer. Jan. 30 at Jazz Café Escazú. 8 p.m. ₡4,000 ($8). More info: 2253-8933.
