Costa Rica is known globally for its high-quality coffee, and this September 9 the country will celebrate National Coffee Day with a Gastronomy Boulevard in San Jose’s China Town.

National Coffee Day is usually celebrated the second Friday of the month of September as established in an Executive Decree in 1988.

The event is organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, the San José Municipality, the Costa Rica Association of Fine Coffees and the Association of Baristas; it will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and it will include coffee producers from eight different regions, coffee shops, espresso coffee bar, food trucks, local crafts, a barista competition and of course bags of different coffee brands for sale.

“Visitors will be able to enjoy a product that represents the essence of the Costa Rican identity”, mentioned Dr. Felipe Arauz, Minister of Agriculture.

During the event, a special recognition will be presented to Grupo Los Grandes de Copey de Dota, for their recent participation in the Cup of Excellence electronic auction where their coffee sold for a record price of USD$8,060.00 per quintal (100 lbs or 46 kilograms).

Cafetalera Aquiares in Turrialba will also receive a recognition for its Carbon Neutral certification; this property is 80% a coffee plantation and the remaining 20% is dedicated to the protection of forest and rivers. This is the second coffee plantation to be certified as Carbon Neutral.

The celebration of National Coffee Day will also include live music and activities for the entertainment of children.