How We Celebrate the Holidays in Costa Rica
Every year, December brings alongside it a vast sense of kindness, generosity and Holiday cheer. We immediately begin to see life through a red & green filter featuring Santa Claus, Christmas music, Egg-nog, and colored lights – each one a timeless component – yet, here in Costa Rica we have a few more unique cultural elements to add to that list! Here’s how we celebrate the Holidays in Costa Rica!
One of the most exciting Holiday traditions in Costa Rica revolves entirely around our taste buds – Tamales, Queque Navideño and Rompope. Come December, Costa Rican households are essentially transformed into Tamal-making workshops. Family and friends get together to make large quantities of Tamales, from preparing the corn-based Tamal dough, its delicious fillings usually including pork, potatoes, garlic, peppers, onions, cilantro, carrots, and rice, and of course their wrapping with plantain leaves. Additionally, we bake Rum-soaked fruit cakes (Queque Navideño), and drink Rompope (a Tico version of Eggnog, usually featuring Rum). A delicious time to be alive!
The month of December literally lights up Costa Rica capital San Jose. Christmas Trees covered in decorations and lights are ever-present at storefronts and residences, meanwhile the streets of the city center brightly shine with twinkling lights. Every mid-December, San Jose plays host to the most anticipated social event of the season – the Festival de la Luz (Festival of Lights). It is an exciting evening of Holiday spirit, music, colors, and of course, lights! Typically, it involves a parade featuring marching bands, art and displays of cultural heritage, Mascarada performances, folkloric music and dances, and open-air concerts. Truly a vibrant and culturally engaging Holiday experience amidst the twinkling lights of San Jose!
