When you vacation or live in a foreign country part of the experience is about really immersing yourself in the cultural life and traditions of the same. If you are currently in Costa Rica you can enjoy an event that is highly anticipated by Costa Ricans, the “Fiestas de Palmares” or “Palmares Festivities”.

Palmares is the name of a community in Alajuela, it is known by the slogan “un pueblo para hacer amigos” or “a town to make friends”; this community which is usually laid back and even quiet, organizes every year a two week event that has become a tradition and part of the Costa Rican party life.

This event actually marks the end of the holiday season, since it usually begins shortly after the end of the Zapote fair, when many people are still enjoying vacation time.

Much like Zapote, Palmares offers entertainment for the entire family, daytime and nighttime activities, live concerts, food stands, sporting events, bars and mechanical attractions.

This year the event begins on Thursday, January 11 with the classic “Tope de Palmares”, basically a horse parade; the tope is packed every year, it begins at noon time. On Friday the “corridas de toros” or bullfighting Costa Rica style, kick off, and generally this activity takes place every day of the Fiestas de Palmares.

An MTB competition starts off the day on Saturday, January 13 at 9 a.m. and the Art and Culture Gallery will be inaugurated this same day, Saturday closes with a Gala Concert with international artist Charlie Zaa. The rest of the weeks continue with daily activities and entertainment, including the classic athletics competition on Saturday, January 20.

The last concert will take place on Sunday, January 21 and the last day of celebration will be Monday, January 22 the fiestas finish with beautiful fireworks.

A lot of the concerts are free for the public while others are private events organized by the Imperial Megabar.

If you are planning to attend, check out the schedule of activities and choose the best day for you, go early, (expect heavy traffic throughout the 13 days of the event), if possible go with a local or with a group of friends.

If you plan on attending the bars make sure you are not driving, the party scene can get out of hand and for your peace of mind and security is best if you have a designated driver; if you are attending the tope or going early in the day, take sunblock, water bottles, and prepare for a long day. Take only the necessary items, even though there’s security and the Costa Rican police has confirmed the presence of 300 police officers, prevention is the best security measure.

Many people who want to really take in this celebration choose to stay in a hotel in the area, this is a good alternative but the few hotels in the area are usually completely booked days in advance, choose a hotel in a neighboring town as an option or plan ahead for next year’s visit.