Events, Festivals and Exhibitions

Costa Rica values its diversity and the Limon Carnival is probably the biggest party enjoyed by its Afro-Caribbean community.

Held in Puerto Limon in the province of Limon, the carnival is claimed to be the biggest street party in the nation, so expect lots of calypso, but as reggae is widely popular across Costa Rica, anticipate this too. This Carnival is on a smaller scale than its more famous sisters in the region and, as it is in the street, it is free.

There are parades, floats, many colourful costumes, fireworks at night and the food of the region, which tends to be spicier than elsewhere in the country. The menu includes rondon, a seafood stew with coconut milk; patis, meaty pies with onion and spices; salsa caribena, seafood in a curry sauce and Jamaican-style jerk marinades.

The History of the Limon Carnival

The Carnival has been celebrated since 1949 on the day that was originally called Colombus day. Historians now generally accept that Colombus initiated a murderous system of colonialism, so the holiday has taken on different flavours. In Costa Rica it includes celebrating the immigrants who have settled here as well as recognising the landing on the nearby Uvita Island in 1502 on one of Colombus’ subsequent voyages.

What else is there to do in the region?

Consider visiting the Veragua Rainforest Eco-Adventure that features an aerial tram that moves you among the trees.

When is the Limon Carnival

The national holiday is on the 12 October, Costa Rica’s ‘Dia de las Culturas’ or Culture Day. However, there are different events that build up to it and others that continue after and are also part of the Carnival proper. There is also the UNIA Limon Parade on 31 August.

Costa Rica Accommodation

For accommodation in Costa Rica, see below.

The Limon Carnival is not the only festival in Costa Rica. Read our Unmissable Costa Rica Festivals 2019.

Flights to Costa Rica

From the Juan Santamaria International Airport there are direct international flights to Panama, Bogota, Mexico City, Madrid, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Toronto, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Charlotte. Driving from San Jose will take about three and a half to four hours. Find the best deals on flights and hotels in Costa Rica using our comparison engine, which scans all the major booking sites

For more on the Limon Carnival, see:

Click here.

For More information on Costa Rica

If you need to know more about Costa Rica, click here. Photo, courtesy of the Costa Rica Tourism Board.