Costa Rica traditions

Guanacaste’s wealth goes beyond its beautiful beaches and booming development. The northwestern province is one of Costa Rica’s biggest cultural storehouses in food, traditions...

The Palmares tope is one of the country’s most famous, with cowboys from all over the country turning up to show off their riding skills and sometimes other talents. 

The National Oxcart Parade celebrated Costa Rican history and traditions in the streets of San José.

For 12 grapes, 12 wishes for the New Year. #tanlindaCostaRica #TTPicOfTheDay

Our daily Costa Rican moment of zen. #TanLindaCostaRica

Our daily Costa Rican moment of zen. #TanLindaCostaRica

Our daily Costa Rican moment of zen. #TanLindaCostaRica

When I was growing up, faroles – the handmade lanterns meant to symbolize the 19th-century journey that brought the message of Central American independence to Costa Rica – were simple constructions, made of paper.

Despite all of the marketing efforts to make Santa Claus the star of Christmas in Costa Rica, 39 percent of Tico parents polled in a survey last month said they tell their children that Baby Jesus, known in Spanish as El Niño or El Niñito, is the one who brings gifts on Christmas Eve.