Costa Rica Activities and Attractions

In describing the beaches of Samara and Carrillo, John Howell's 7th edition of Choose Costa Rica for Retirement describes "one of the most beautiful imaginable in a country of beautiful beaches". This is just one of many reasons, people are starting to discover Samara and Carrillo. The incredibly friendly locals, charming village center of Samara, and diversified local and visiting populations makes Samara a perfect spot for many types of adventures. 

Here are some of the events and celebrations in and around Samara: 

DECEMBER (last week) to JANUARY 15: NATIONAL CIVIC FESTIVAL 

Declared a day of national interest for its cultural wealth and importance not only for the region but throughout the country this holiday is an unforgettable experience for visitors. This holiday honors the Santo Cristo de Esquipulas, patron saint of Santa Cruz. Dances are held outdoors, crafts are displayed and for sale, concerts and competitions are offer and all enjoy the Marimbas and typical food. These events are also famous for bullfights and bull riding, where many people enter a ring in the main square to challenge the bulls. Unlike traditional Spanish or Mexican bullfights, the bulls are not hurt much less killed. 

This week also marks the famous HORSES STOP where hundreds of people from all over the country parade with their horses and costumes for the main streets of the city. During this activity, many tourists rent horses and participate in the festival. It is an amazing festival that goes all week long and into the night! 

APRIL: CHILDREN'S SYMPHONY 

The Nicoya musical school offers the community a symphony. In 2011, this event was held at Intercultura Language School. The school offers a free music program for children of all ages beginning at age 2. The symphony is valued by all and now tours the country. 

APRIL 11: CELEBRATION OF BAREFOOT SOLIDER, NATIONAL HERO 

Costa Rica commemorates a Costa Rican national hero. A barefoot soldier who gave his life in battle against William Walker's troops in 1856. There are celebrations throughout the week with parades, concerts, dances and reenactments of the battle. 

APRIL: HOLY WEEK (SEMANA SANTA) 

A huge processions all across the province can be seen by visitors. In the larger cities many of the shops, bars, and restaurants are closed on Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday. Typically alcoholic beverages are not served on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. There is an assortment of crafts for sale and concerts and typical food. In Samara each year, the carnival and rodeo visit which the families all enjoy. 

JULY 25: DAY OF THE GUANACASTE'S ANNEXATION TO COSTA RICA 

It celebrates the annexation of the Nicoya Party to Costa Rica in Guanacaste which became part of Costa Rica. The main activity takes place in the city of Liberia, where cultural activities are held for a week (two full weekends) and is one of the busiest holidays throughout the country. Concerts, bull riding (bull riding), various cultural activities, crafts, and local foods are just some of the things that you can enjoy in the company of thousands of locals and tourists. 

SEPTEMBER 15: COSTA RICA INDEPENDENCE DAY 

On September 14, the Torch of Freedom is carried from Nicaragua by student relay runners to Carthage. At 6 pm on September 15 all Costa Ricans throughout the country stop work and sing the National Anthem. Parades and parties follow the activity and the day before the children of every town of the country celebrate with a lantern festival on the main streets. 

OCTOBER: LA VUELTA A LA SOLEDAD 

Cyclists and spectators come from all over Costa to enjoy watch the athletes arrive and stay the night. 

OCTOBER 12: DAY OF CULTURE 

Previously called Columbus Day or the Day of Races is in recognition of Costa Rica's multicultural legacy. It is held on the anniversary of Columbus' "discovery" in 1492. Activities include traditional dances and indigenous ceremonies and festivals. 

NOVEMBER 12: PICA DE LEñA 

Translated as the fiesta of woodcutting, this event is one of the most colorful ceremonies of the Nicoya fiestas. Hundreds of carretas, traditional oxcarts loaded with firewood, are dragged through the streets to the House of the Virgin where the oxcart drivers are rewarded with food and chirrete, the traditional Indian maize brew. This celebration is a true Fiesta del Pueblo with marimba concerts, typical food, and dancing to live music. 

DECEMBER 12: FIESTA DE LA MARE 

The wood donated from the Pica de Leña is used for the communal cooking during the celebration of the Yegüita (Fiesta de la mare). This tradition combines Indian legends with the Catholic veneration of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The holy image of the dark Madonna is ceremoniously carried through the streets of Nicoya and then brought back to the Catholic Church where a mass is held. Then, in the House of the Virgin traditional food and drinks are dispensed to the participants. Processions, bullfights, fireworks and concerts typically follow.