Traditional Christmas Celebrations in Costa Rica: A Festive Journey

The next part in our series of Christmas celebrations around the world.

Costa Rica, a country renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, is equally enchanting during the Christmas season. 

The Ticos (as Costa Ricans are affectionately known) embrace Christmas with warmth, community spirit, and deep-rooted traditions that make the holiday season uniquely magical. 

Here’s a glimpse into how Christmas is celebrated in this tropical paradise.

The Nativity Scene: El Portal

At the heart of every Costa Rican home during Christmas is el portal, a detailed nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus. This tradition goes beyond a simple display; families take great pride in crafting elaborate and lifelike representations using moss, wood, and clay figurines. Often, children are tasked with placing baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas Eve, marking a significant and cherished family moment.

Tamales: A Culinary Christmas Staple

Christmas in Costa Rica wouldn’t be complete without tamales, a beloved traditional dish. These parcels of masa (corn dough) are stuffed with ingredients like pork, vegetables, and spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed to perfection. Preparing tamales is a labour of love that brings families together, as the process often involves multiple generations working side by side.

Festival of Lights: A Dazzling Beginning

The Festival de la Luz in San José officially kicks off the Christmas season in early December. This grand parade features dazzling floats, twinkling lights, and spirited marching bands, drawing both locals and tourists to the capital city. The event encapsulates Costa Rica's vibrant holiday spirit, with the streets alive with music, laughter, and awe-inspiring decorations.

Posadas: A Tradition of Community

Inspired by the biblical story of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter, posadas are re-enactments that take place in neighbourhoods across Costa Rica. Groups of people walk from house to house, singing carols and symbolically requesting lodging. The hosts eventually welcome them in, and the evening culminates in a shared feast or prayer, fostering a sense of unity and community.

Misa de Gallo: Midnight Mass

On Christmas Eve, known as Nochebuena, families gather for Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass) at their local church. This midnight service is a spiritual highlight of the season, featuring hymns and a celebration of the birth of Christ. After the service, families return home to enjoy a late-night meal and exchange gifts in a warm and joyous atmosphere.

Christmas Decorations: Tropical Flair Meets Tradition

While many countries rely on evergreen trees for their Christmas decorations, Costa Ricans often decorate cypress trees or create artificial ones adorned with colourful ornaments, ribbons, and lights. Houses are lit with twinkling lights, and tropical flowers like poinsettias add a uniquely Costa Rican touch.

Post-Christmas Celebrations: Tope Nacional and Zapote Fiestas

The festive spirit doesn’t end on Christmas Day. The Tope Nacional, Costa Rica’s grand horse parade, takes place on 26 December in San José, showcasing the country’s equestrian culture. Around the same time, the Fiestas de Zapote provide carnival-style fun with bullfighting, amusement rides, and local food stands.

A Season of Pura Vida

Christmas in Costa Rica is a time to embrace pura vida, the nation’s ethos of enjoying life to the fullest. It’s a season of faith, family, and festivity, where tropical traditions blend seamlessly with universal Christmas customs.

For those lucky enough to visit Costa Rica during this special time, the celebrations offer a chance to experience the holiday season in a warm and inviting way—both in spirit and temperature!

Whether you’re marvelling at the intricate nativity scenes, savouring a homemade tamal, or dancing along at the Festival of Lights, Christmas in Costa Rica is a celebration filled with heart and soul. It’s a reminder that the true joy of the season lies in togetherness and tradition.