Welcome to Monthly Highlights & Spotlights of December
Anthony Livoti’s San Jose’s Hot Topics – December 2024
Upcoming Concerts & Events in San Jose
Explore Live concerts and Comedy Events HERE
Explore JAZZ CAFE of Escazu Events HERE
Explore Avenida Escazu Holiday Events HERE
Explore Escazu Multiplaza Mall Holiday Promotions & Events HERE
Costa Rican Christmas Traditions
Christmas in Costa Rica is a festive, family-centered celebration with vibrant traditions. Many families decorate with nativity scenes (portales), adorned with small offerings like fruits or toys. Wreaths made of cypress and red coffee berries also add a local touch. Christmas Eve is highlighted by Midnight Mass (Misa de Gallo), followed by a meal of pork or chicken tamales wrapped in plantain leaves. Kids often leave out their shoes for Niño Dios (Baby Jesus), though Santa Claus (San Nicolás) has grown in popularity.
Government Holiday Closures
Most government offices in Costa Rica close for the holiday season in December, often starting in mid-December and resuming in early January. Plan for any transactions or paperwork as services will be unavailable during this time. For more detailed dates, check with local municipalities or government websites.
School Holidays
Costa Rican public and private schools aligned with the local calendar typically end their academic year in December and remain closed until February. However, some international and private schools follow a North American schedule and will have shorter winter breaks. Many families will travel to coastal regions to enjoy the holidays so make sure you make your trip reservations in advance and plan travel days accordingly.
New Year Responsibilities: Vehicle Marchamo
Don’t forget to renew your marchamo (mandatory vehicle insurance) before the end of December to avoid fines. This annual requirement covers basic insurance and registration for the upcoming year. Payments can be made at banks, supermarkets, or online via authorized platforms.
Essential documents include the vehicle registration certificate and proof of prior payment. Rates depend on vehicle type, year, and value. Failure to renew by the deadline incurs fines. For convenience, some banks and supermarkets offer express lanes for marchamo processing.
How to Pay Marchamo in Costa Rica
What You Need: Vehicle license plate number, and in some cases, a copy of the vehicle’s registration.
Where to Pay:
- Banks like Banco Nacional, BAC Credomatic, and Banco de Costa Rica.
- Supermarkets such as Walmart, Mas x Menos, and Automercado.
- Online portals like INS Marchamo.
Procedure: Bring your documentation to the cashier or enter the required information online. Payment methods include cash, credit, or debit cards. Upon payment, you’ll receive a sticker for your windshield.
Holiday Flavors: Costa Rican Tamales
Tamales are a cornerstone of Costa Rican holiday meals. This delicious dish, made of corn dough filled with pork or chicken, is wrapped in plantain leaves and steamed. Making tamales is a family event, often involving multi-day preparation.
Ingredients: Corn dough, meat (pork or chicken), vegetables (potatoes, carrots), and spices. Assemble and steam the tamales in plantain leaves for a flavorful treat.
Pura Vida Moms share detailed recipes and video explanations to help you create your savory holiday cooking.
Restaurant Spotlight: Mirador Tiquicia
Mirador Tiquicia, located in San Antonio de Escazú, offers a stunning view of the Central Valley and a rich Costa Rican cultural experience. Known for its “Noche Tica” folkloric evenings, the restaurant combines traditional buffet dinners with live marimba music and folkloric dance shows featuring colorful costumes. Guests can also explore the surrounding coffee farm and learn about traditional Costa Rican life. The simple structure has preserved traditional architecture, seeing the performers will add a traditional flavor to your holiday traditions.
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 PM to 11 PM and Sundays until 9 PM. For more details about upcoming performances and seasonal cultural events visit their website.
Holiday Events: Festival of Lights and More
The Festival of Lights, a cherished event in San José, many municipalities, including Escazú and Santa Ana, are hosting smaller celebrations with festive lights and music.
This year, as a novelty, to kick off the Festival, the municipality has planned a spectacular show of 420 drones that will light up the skies of the entire Paseo Colón. The following day, Sunday 15th, a Band Fest will be held at the National Stadium, which is a novelty to showcase the talent of the marching bands. Additional events are scheduled throughout the whole month of December right up until December 28th.
The Festival of Lights is a highlight of the holiday season, usually occurring in mid-December. This year, the parade is scheduled for December 14th at 6:00 PM. The parade begins at La Sabana Park and ends near the National Museum. The full Festival of Lights schedule is posted on the municipal website.
Tips for Families:
- Best Viewing Spots: Stake out early near La Sabana for the best views and less crowding. Avoid areas closer to the end, as delays can make it harder to enjoy the parade with children.
- Timing: Arrive by 5:00 PM to secure a good spot.
- Transportation: Parking is limited; consider using Uber or public transport.
Christmas Church Services in English Around the Central Valley
- Catholic Mass at the Wyndham Hotel, Belén
English Mass is held at the Wyndham San José Herradura Hotel in Belén. Specific dates and times are typically updated on the Facebook Page. Note: Mass has been moved to 3 pm but has not yet been updated on the group page. You can message the group or join the WhatsApp chat for more details and important updates. - International Baptist Church (Escazú)
This church offers English services and often holds special Christmas events. Visit their website for schedules: International Baptist Church. - Union Church (San José): A multi-denominational English-speaking church that hosts Christmas services. Details are available at Union Church Costa Rica.
Getting Out of the City: Cultural and Beach Escapes
Cultural Experience: Boruca Community and Indigenous Festivals
For a unique cultural getaway, consider visiting the Boruca indigenous community in Puntarenas Province. The Boruca people are renowned for their vibrant art and historical storytelling, particularly through the Fiesta de los Diablitos (“Festival of the Little Devils”), held annually at the end of December. During this celebration, traditional dances reenact the resistance of the indigenous people against Spanish colonization. This deeply symbolic event features handcrafted masks, music, and festive tamales. Although the main festival occurs in December, you can still explore the Boruca village year-round to experience its crafts, cultural heritage, and serene environment. To find out more about Borrucan events, visit their website.
Beach Recommendation: Playa Esterillos
For those looking to relax by the beach, Playa Esterillos is a quiet gem just two hours from San José. Unlike the bustling beaches of Jacó or Manuel Antonio, Esterillos offers tranquil stretches of sand and fewer crowds, making it ideal for a peaceful escape. The area is dotted with small Airbnbs and boutique hotels, giving visitors access to an authentic, laid-back Costa Rican beach experience. The calm waves and stunning sunsets make this spot perfect for unwinding, far from the busy tourist hubs. It’s close enough for a day trip yet feels like a world away.
Thank you for reading my article today!
Stay tuned for more updates and insights in our next newsletter. If you have any questions or need assistance with real estate in Escazu, Santa Ana or the Central Valley, don’t hesitate to reach out!
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