The festivals intrinsic to a particular area are some of the best ways to partake in the cultural flavor of an area and Costa Rica has many fun-filled festivals all year round! Whether it is for religious observances, sporting events or civic holidays, the festivals in Costa Rica are the ultimate fiestas! Costa Rica real estate agents have the best properties for revelers and vacationers alike.

Religious Festivals and events in Costa Rica:

Since Costa Rica is predominantly Catholic, many celebrations are based around Christian religious observances. For instance, the events in Costa Rica during the Easter Holy Week are part of a celebration called "Semana Santa" which involves religious processions, beach celebrations and masses. San Jose celebrates Saint Joseph's Day on March 19th with food, music, rides, horse parades, Tico-style bull fighting and ceremonial dress.

In July, the "Virgin of the Sea" celebration involves decorated fishing boats, masses, dances, parades and fireworks. In August, a massive exodus to La Basilica de Cartago takes place from San Jose, with many people making the trek by foot to honor its patron saint, La Virgen de Los Angeles.

Like any other Spanish country, All Souls Day ("Dia de los Muertos") is observed on November 2nd with mass pilgrimages to cemeteries, carrying plates of food and gifts for the dead.

Christmas time is always special in Costa Rica, with "Tope Caballos" - the country's largest horse parade. It is difficult to tell which is more enthralling: the horses or the colorful costumes donned by the riders. The Festival of Lights makes for a breathtaking night parade once the day's events are finished.

Sporting Events in Costa Rica:

Costa Rica real estate for sale investors who are keen tennis fans should migrate to Costa Rica in March for The Copa del Café, an international tennis tournament for young players. Also in March, National Oxcart Day is a favorite among tourists. On the second Sunday, just outside of San José, over 500 different kinds of oxcart drivers parade with their carts.

The March Bonanza Cattle Show is another good opportunity for thrill-seekers to gaze upon prize bulls, bullfights, rodeos, horse races or even try their hands at riding a mechanical bull. During the "Toros a la Tica" or "Zapote Bullfights," the bulls are never killed or harmed. Rather, the fights are characterized by skillful maneuvering, ornate costumes and good sportsmanship.

Civic Events in Costa Rica:

New Years Day involves cleaning the home to ward off bad luck and street parties with music, dancing, food, drinks fun-filled activities and breath-taking fireworks by night in downtown San Jose, Buenos Aires and Puntarenas.

In the second half of February, the Fiesta de los Diablitos (Festival of the Little Devils) takes place near San Pedro, where people wear hand-covered masks and costumes to reenact the battle of the Spanish troops.

Limon parties are held to celebrate Worker's Day on March 1st accompanied by dancing and playing cricket. Starting April 11th, Costa Rica reverently remembers and celebrates its national hero, Juan Santamaria, a brave young soldier who fought in the Battle of Rivas in 1856. This week long festival involves bands, parades, food and dancing.

The annexation of Guanacaste to Costa Rica is celebrated on July 25th with street fiestas, folk dancing, horse parades, rodeos, bull fights and cattle shows especially in northwest Guanacaste.

Costa Rica's Independence Day is September 15th and is characterized by parades and the running of the "Freedom Torch". No matter what purpose or what time of year tourists choose to visit Costa Rica, there are events that really showcase Tico culture and provide the best in local food, traditional dress and music, while also the opportunity to see unique sights like bull fights and ox cart parades.