Colors, Tradition, Fun & Family: Holy Week in Costa Rica
The Tradition of Semana Santa in Costa Rica:
Each year in Costa Rica, during the months of March and April, the Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Pascua (Easter) are celebrated in culturally rich manner.
The Costa Ricans or “ticos”, like many cultures in Latin America, truly follow the catholic customs to honor the procession, death and resurrection of Christ.
The Colors of Semana Santa in Costa Rica:
Starting with Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday), parishes give out palms to commemorate the Passover. You may even encounter live performances of the story at some churches in Costa Rica.
During the observed week of Semana Santa in Costa Rica, especially on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, the Catholic Church holds different activities with live representations of the Last Supper, Jesus along the 14 Stations of the Cross, and the crucifixion which is performed at the church courtyards or nearby fields. The locals who participate in the Processions make commitments to the church until the time of the live representations.
The processions (parades) are colorful with typical Costa Rican adapted decorations and music. Many Costa Ricans still follow the tradition with passion and strictly respect several religious ceremonies. Tico families gather around respectfully and walk along until the point where the crucifixion scene is represented.
Fun and Family During the Semana Santa Holiday:
Just 40 years ago, the families of Costa Rica had different customs for the holy week, such as not turning on any type of media, amongst other beliefs. They truly used this as a time of reflection and enforced businesses and schools to all shut down in honor of the Holy Week.
Today however, though still attending religious events, Semana Santa is more of a celebratory holiday rather than a reflective one. The busy way of life in Costa Rica and all over the world and the publicity surrounding the break from school and business has led to the evolution as Semana Santa being a time for relaxation and holidays! Ticos from all over the country take advantage of the time off and head to the beaches. You will see families camped all along both the Pacific and Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. So yes, this means, overcrowded beaches and also booked up hotels!
On the bright side of things, if you seek to avoid large crowds, do the opposite of the rest of Costa Rica and head to the hills!! The majestic Arenal Volcano or serene Monteverde Cloud Forest regions are your best options for a holiday in Costa Rica during Semana Santa. Being two of the main tour destinations in Costa Rica, there is a better chance to find businesses opened. Imagine, sinking into natural healing hot springs at pace or enjoy a local lunch in a restaurant.
Perhaps you’d like to walk San Jose and admire its beautiful architecture without the crowds? Well you will definitely be alone, but unfortunately, due to Ley Seca between the Thursday and Pascua Sunday. , bars and alcohol shops are closed and there is little transportation available
If you have the opportunity, delight yourself with the traditional local Semana Santa meals like natural fruit jams, Bacalao, all types of seafood and the famous “Chiverre” (type of squash), prepared in jam or “empanadas” by the Costa Rican families.
However you decide to spend your Semana Santa in Costa Rica, immerse yourself this holiday and feel and admire the vivid culture of Costa Rica. Whether you wish to encounter fascinating traditions or seeking a pleasant connection with nature; Costa Rica during Holy Week is an unforgettable treat if planned correctly.
Note: Semana Santa 2015 begins Sunday March 29th and runs through Easter which is April 5th.