Before there was coffee, there was cacao. Before there were coffee breaks, there was the chocolate hour. And before Costa Rica had coins, cacao...

From mango-seed necklaces, to traditional chorreador coffee-makers, to hand-stitched bags, Local Keeps highlights Makers with a passion for Costa Rica.

The festival -- the first of its kind in Costa Rica -- included performances from several international ballet groups and featured cultural activities, conferences and classes.

Artists argued that art is not an expense but an investment and recalled that the National Theater — recently declared a national symbol — is considered by many as the home of Costa Rican art.