Zapote Festival

After they were canceled last year due to the pandemic, one of Costa Rica's most-popular year-end events will occur this December. Costa Rican-style bullfights...

The Fiestas de Zapote are a holiday tradition for many Ticos.

More than 40,000 festive Ticos attended opening night for the 50th anniversary of the Fiestas de Zapote, Costa Rica's largest end-of-year party. 

In December, Costa Rica will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its iconic Fiestas de Zapote.

“Toros a la tica” is an essential ingredient in San José's end-of-year festivities. It is also one of the most controversial traditions in the country.

Images from the bullring at this year's traditional Zapote festival.

Although killing the bull is not allowed in Costa Rica-style bullfights, animal rights advocates claim bulls are subjected to cruel abuse.

Our guide to the definitive Costa Rican Christmas.

Costa Rican bullfights and horse parades are a proud cultural tradition for many. But increased scrutiny in recent years is shedding light on the darker side of the revelry.

Dozens of animal rights activists gathered during the opening of the Zapote festival, east of San José, to protest against one of the celebration’s main event: Tico-style bullfights.