Every town in Costa Rica has a Catholic church built in the centre of town facing east overlooking the town park or, most often, soccer field. To the east of this is normally the town school. You will notice that a large number of communities are named after a patron saint. San José, for example is Saint Joseph. San Isidro and Santa Ana are other example of this occurrence. You will find ceremonies in most of these locations once a year to honour the Saint of the area.
Religious Celebrations
• March 19 is the day of San José in all towns and neighbourhoods with that name.
• August 30th is San Ramon Day.
• May 15th is San Isidro Labrador’s Day. He is the saint of farmers and farm animals. Blessings are given for prosperity of crops and livestock.
• August 2nd sees Costa Rica’s Patron Saint La Negrita honoured with a pilgrimage to the Basilica in Cartago.
• Virgin of the Sea is a special celebration in Puntarenas for their Patron Saint the Virgin of Mt. Carmel. It is the Saturday closest to July 16. They have regattas with colourfully decorated fishing boats and yachts racing through the Gulf of Nicoya. Sports events are unique addition to the concerts and dances they hold along with fireworks.
• The week of January 15 is a time when the Black Christ of Esqiopulas is honoured in both Alajuelita and Santa Cruz. Alajuelita celebrates with an oxcart parade in procession as they walk to a huge illuminated cross on the mountain side. Santa Cruz chooses folk dancing and marimbas.
• In December the Virgin of Guadalupe is honoured with Indian rituals in Nicoya, and with traditional flutes and drums by the Indians of the Boruca region.
• A special pilgrimage to Ujarrás takes place in mid March, just in time for the religious practise of Lent. A religious procession moves from Cartago to the ruins of Costa Rica’s first church. Then during Holy Week, the week before Easter, from Thurs (Holy Thurs) to Sun (Easter Sunday) the whole city of San José is almost completely shut down. They have elaborate parades and demonstrations depicting the stages of the cross and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
