Costa Rica Festivals and Celebrations
August
Virgen de Los Angeles
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August 2nd is national holiday that celebrates La Negrita, the patron saint of Costa Rica. An amazing procession of the faithful from all over the country stretches 25 km from San Jose to La Basilica de Cartage to participate in a special mass. Tradition has it that La Negrita, the Black Virgin was an indigenous created statue that represented the Virgin Mary found on August 2, 1635 by a native woman. When she attempted to remove the statue, it would reappear back at it's original resting place. A shrine was then built around it. She was made Costa Rica's patron saint in 1824 and now sits on a gold and jewel platform in the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles in Cartago. Many pilgrims finish their procession on their knees for the last few hundred meters as an act of penance.
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Fiesta Ciudad Colon (San Carlos)
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The Fiestas Ciudad Colon (San Carlos) is a street party/fair that has traditional food and cultural events - dancing and a Traditional Costa Rican bullfight. That is where local people jump into the bull ring with a bull and tease it. People run in front and by the bull, often trying to slap it. People often dress in superhero costumes and play the roles. It helps that many participants often prime themselves with guaro, a Costa Rican liquor made from sugar cane. The bulls are never harmed, however participants often are, usually, thankfully, not seriously.
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Mother's Day/Feast of the Assumption
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Mother's Day and the Feast of the Assumption is celebrated on August 15 and honors mothers, motherhood, and the important role they play in Costa Rican society. It is a national holiday - public offices and services are closed as are schools and universities and many businesses. It is a day for families to spend time together, many going to the beach for the day.
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National Parks Day
This day celebrates the National Parks System in Costa Rica. Events and activities are held at the 28 National Parks around the country. Costa Rica has 126 "protected area" zones and 28 national parks.