December Events
* Christmas Celebrations, Dec 15 to 25 - nativity scenes competitions, carolers go from house to house, on Dec 24 Catholic churches celebrate the ‘Misa Del Gallo’ (Rooster Mass).
Open-air Art Festival, San Pedro, second weekend.
Telethon, first weekend - 27-hour performing marathon, with national and international musicians, reporters, actors/actresses, benefits Children’s’ Hospital.
Christmas Choir Festival, first week - choirs from around the country perform at National Theatre.
Fiesta de Los Negritos, indigenous village of Boruca, week of Dec 8 - ancient rituals combine with Catholicism to honor Virgin of Immaculate Conception, costumes, drums, music, dances.
Dance Festival, first and second weeks - acclaimed national and international dancers, seminars at National Theatre.
Festival of the Lights, second Saturday - parade through San Jose with floats adorned with lights, concerts and fireworks.
Festival of Our Lady the virgin of Guadalupe, also called Fiesta de la Yeguita (Little Mare), Nicoya, Dec 11 and 12 - blends ancient indigenous rituals to honor Virgin of Guadalupe, processions, concerts, fireworks, special foods.
Year-end Festivals, Dec 25-31 - Festejos Populares (year-end festivals) at San Jose fairgrounds, Zapote amusement park, rides, food, music, fireworks.
Tope, downtown San Jose, Dec 27 and 28 - major national horse parade.
San Jose Carnival, Dec 27 - huge parade with colorful floats and music.
Fiesta de los Diablitos, Dec 31 to Jan 2 - indegenous Borucas enact a fight and dance between the indigenous (little devils) and Spaniards (bulls) amis masks, flutes and drums; with craft sale and fireworks.
