Welcome to Monthly Highlights & Spotlights – April 2025
Following events within local communities and Costa Rica real estate!
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Hello from the Central Valley!
April brings warm breezes, Semana Santa celebrations, and a perfect time to explore outdoor living and Costa Rica’s vibrant community life. Whether you’re considering relocating, already living here, or simply exploring the market, here’s what’s fresh this month.
Spotlight Blog: Gardening & Outdoor Living in the Dry Season
As the dry season winds down, April offers a wonderful opportunity to plant and redesign your garden before the rains return in May. Gardening in Costa Rica is a rewarding experience thanks to the lush biodiversity and year-round growing season. Even if you don’t have much space, container gardening, and small urban beds thrive in the Central Valley climate.
Some excellent, low-maintenance plants to consider include:
- Bougainvillea: Known for its bright, paper-like blooms in pink, purple, and red, this drought-tolerant climber thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Perfect for fences, walls, and patios.
- Hibiscus (Rosa de Jamaica): Large, vibrant flowers and thick foliage. Hibiscus loves sunlight and regular watering. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys): A tropical showstopper with turquoise, cascading blooms. This vine thrives in warm, humid spots with filtered sun—ideal for pergolas or shaded patios.
- Succulents & Cacti: Perfect for dry-season container gardens. Easy to care for, requiring little water and offering sculptural beauty.
- Heliconia & Ginger: Tropical, vibrant plants with large leaves. These thrive in part-shade and make stunning additions along walkways or as garden centerpieces.
Many local viveros (nurseries) in Santa Ana, Escazú, and Ciudad Colón carry these plants along with expert advice. It’s a great time to visit garden centers and talk with staff about soil mixes, composting, and plant placement to create a lush space that will flourish into the rainy season.
Restaurant Spotlight: Gusto, Lindora – Classic Italian with Modern Elegance
Located in the heart of Lindora, Santa Ana, Gusto is a refined yet approachable Italian restaurant that balances tradition with contemporary design. A favorite among locals and expats alike, it’s a place where great food meets inviting ambiance.
What to Expect:
- Menu Favorites: Their fresh pastas—especially the mushroom tagliatelle—are hand-made and rich in flavor. The wood-fired pizzas are thin and crispy, topped with high-quality cheeses and locally sourced ingredients.
- Beverage Selection: Gusto features a curated wine list and signature cocktails made with tropical twists.
- Atmosphere: Elegant indoor dining or casual, breezy garden seating. The ambiance is great for both relaxed weekday dinners and special weekend outings.
Insider tip: Ask about their weekday lunch specials or weekend tasting menus, which change seasonally and highlight fresh, local produce.
Local Happenings & News
Semana Santa: A Cultural and Spiritual Week
Semana Santa (Holy Week) is one of the most celebrated and respected holidays in Costa Rica. In 2025, it runs from Sunday, April 13 to Saturday, April 19, with Easter Sunday on April 20. Most Costa Ricans take time off during this week, with government offices, banks, and many private businesses closed on Maundy Thursday (April 17) and Good Friday (April 18).
It’s a time of religious reflection, processions, and family togetherness. Many families head to the beach or countryside to enjoy a restful holiday, so expect busy highways starting midweek.
Traditional Festivities:
- In San José, Heredia, and Cartago, you can find elaborate Catholic processions reenacting the Stations of the Cross.
- Local towns often host special church services, music, and community meals featuring traditional dishes like ensalada rusa (beet potato salad), empanadas de chiverre (sweet squash turnovers), and arroz con leche.
English Church Services Around the Central Valley:
- Union Church of San José (Escazú): Multidenominational English services during Holy Week.
- International Baptist Church (Guachipelín): Hosts English-language Good Friday and Easter Sunday services.
- Catholic Mass in English at the Wyndham Hotel in Belén: Check their Facebook group for times. (Currently held at 3 PM.)
- English Christian Fellowship:Hosts English-language Easter Sunday services – City Place , Hilton, Santa Ana
Seasonal Foods to Try
April is a great month to enjoy tropical fruits like mangoes, papaya, pineapple, and guanábana. You’ll also find seasonal sweets like chiverre jam, often prepared in empanadas or served on toast. Visit your local feria (farmer’s market) for fresh produce and homemade tamales made specifically for the season.
Important Mango Safety Tip: If you’re picking mangoes directly from trees, especially the large “coconut mangoes,” be aware that the sap from the stem can cause skin irritation or burns. The sap contains urushiol, the same compound found in poison ivy, and can be quite reactive for some people. It’s best to wear gloves when harvesting, and always wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Let mangoes ripen off the tree in a cool spot, and avoid direct contact with sap until it’s dried.
Green Mango Salad Recipe (Costa Rican Style): Green mangoes (unripe) have a tangy flavor perfect for fresh salads. Here’s a simple version to try:
- 1 large green coconut mango, peeled and julienned
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 large carrots cut into thin strips
- Juice of 1-2 limes
- A splash of fish sauce
- A little sweetener like brown sugar or agave to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Pinch of salt and chili flakes
Toss all ingredients in a bowl and serve immediately as a refreshing side dish. Optional: add cucumber and peanuts for more crunch!
Real Estate Tip of the Month
April is an ideal time to list or shop. The dry weather allows for easier property maintenance and better showings, while travel slows down after Semana Santa. Buyers can also take their time before the rainy season starts to settle into a new home.
Looking to make a move? Whether you’re buying or selling, I’m here to help guide you through the process with experience and insight.
Featured Property of the Month
Casa Hidden Paradise
$550,000
Brasil de Mora
Contact Anthony Livoti for a private showing
Wishing you a joyful April and a peaceful Semana Santa. As always, I’m here to help with all your real estate questions, referrals, or relocation needs.
THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING?
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Visit me at www.homes-costarica.com
Email me at: alivoti72@gmail.com
Or Call ME at (+506) 8332-5035
As always, I look forward to working with you now & in the future…
Anthony
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