Palmares Fiestas

When Costa Ricans have finished celebrating the Christmas and New Year vacations, they have another party to look forward to: the Palmares fiestas, one of the most famous festivals in Costa Rico. Palmares, a little town between Alajuela and San Ramon, is noted for having the best fiestas and horse parades in the country. Palmares become the focal point for many people during the second half of January.Each year, the Palmares fiestas begin in the second week of January and continue throughout the month with a number of festivities such as Concerts, fireworks, sporting activities, tents with alcohol and food, and Costa Rican-style bullfighting, and a traditional horse procession.

The fiestas formally begin with the illumination of the fairgrounds, a parade of lanterns, and the opening of the Palmarin Soccer Cup at the stadium. The crowds gather at the start of the tope, a horse parade through Palmares' streets that begins about midday. Participants in the horse parade ride their best horses around the streets, displaying their magnificent steeds with elegant steps.Following the parade, the party continues at the numerous tents, which are improvised bars beneath big awnings built specifically for this January event.

The tradition of Toros a la Tica, Costa Rican-style bullfighting, may be enjoyed at the stadium during the two weeks of the Palmares fiestas. Palmares' outdoor concerts are typically a local favourite. Reggaeton superstars and well-known Latin alternative rock bands will entertain thousands. It is increasingly customary to book major international performances on both Sundays of the fiestas.

Time: January

Location: Palmares