For many Costa Ricans, especially young adults, missing the Palmares festivities is not an option. After welcoming a new year and after the Zapote fair this is the next big event in the calendar.

The usually quiet city in Alajuela turns every January into the epicenter of fun and the synonym of party.

The Palmares event has been taking place for 30 years now and it includes a horse parade, a carnival, tico style “bull fights”, concerts, carrousels and activities for children, a marathon, and this year it will also feature art and crafts expos.

Palmares 2017 kick starts January 12 with the horse parade at noon; the first international concert is scheduled for Sunday, January 15 and is in charge of Jamaican reggae singer Richie Spice who became popular with songs like Groovin’ My Girl, Youth Dem Cold and Earth N’ Red.

The second international concert will take place Sunday, January 22, sponsored by Costa Rican Brewery, and will present Mexican band Café Tacvba and Costa Rican band Los Ajenos.

The traditional “Festival Ranchero” (presenting Mexican mariachi music), will not have a foreigner artist this year, instead, the Costa Rican Philharmonic Orchestra directed by Marvin Araya will be presenting this show along with the Mariachi Colonial.

Other artist that will be presenting their show at the Imperial Megabar include: Sean Paul, Gente de Zona, Eddie Herrera, and Costa Rican bands Percance, Gandhi, La Solución, among others.

Security has been reinforced this year to ensure that the different events run without any major issues.

If you are in Costa Rica between January 12 and January 22, and you like to party, make sure to make a stop at Palmares and experience this unique event.