We’re going on a treasure hunt… Costa Rica marks the spot! If you’re used to celebrating Easter amidst chilly weather and blooming daffodils, then imagine for a moment trading in your wool sweaters for breezy linens and your snowy Easter egg hunts for sandy beach strolls. Because an Easter holiday in Costa Rica offers not only a break from the cold but also a treasure trove of cultural discoveries that elevate your experience into something truly memorable.
Before we begin, though, a general disclaimer: Costa Rica is a modern, sophisticated country. While we’re taking this opportunity to highlight the diverse tapestry of local Easter traditions and celebrations, bear in mind that many of these are traditional. In the same way that most of us no longer dance around the maypole on May 1 or bundle into our finest cloak to go caroling at Christmas, many Costa Ricans no longer observe all (or in some cases, any) of these traditions.
With that said, let’s embark on a treasure hunt of tradition through Semana Santa in Costa Rica (Holy Week), uncovering our nation’s most cherished Easter sights, celebrations, and flavors.
Costa Rica’s Easter processions are vibrant displays of faith and history and much more than just performances – they are a deeply rooted expression of Costa Rican religious history and culture identity, shaped by centuries of Catholic tradition.
Costa Rica’s Catholic heritage traces back to the Spanish colonization of the Americas in the 16th century. Centuries ago, Catholicism became an integral part of the country’s identity, shaping our holidays, architecture, and way of life. Today, more than half of all Costa Ricans still identify as Catholic, making Holy Week, known in Spanish as Semana Santa, one of the most significant periods of the year. (Holy Week spans the week from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.)
During the Easter holiday in Costa Rica, select towns and cities come alive with processions that recreate the Passion of Christ (the Crucifixion). Streets are transformed into open-air stages, where participants don costumes representing Roman soldiers, apostles, angels, and biblical figures like the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene. The meticulous detail in their attire and the somber yet reverent atmosphere underscore the importance of these reenactments.
Each procession – has its own unique role in telling the story of Jesus’ final days. On Holy Wednesday, the journey begins with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. By Holy Thursday, attention shifts to the Last Supper and the poignant washing of the apostles’ feet – a ritual that is also performed in many churches across the country. Good Friday is marked by the most dramatic and somber reenactments, including the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, often accompanied by a silent procession lit by candles.
Artistic expression reaches its zenith during Semana Santa, with the creation of intricate street alfombras, or carpets, made from sawdust, flowers, and fruits. These vibrant, ephemeral artworks line the streets – often, those hosting religious processions – to create a sacred path for the events to follow. As the faithful walk over these carpets, they symbolically destroy them, reminding onlookers of the transient nature of life.
For travelers, witnessing these artistic treasures is a rare and fleeting delight. The dedication and skill involved in their creation speak volumes about Costa Rica’s communal spirit and reverence for tradition.
If you are lucky enough to witness these processions, know that they are not merely religious ceremonies but also an invitation to reflect and connect with Costa Rica’s spiritual and cultural roots. Whether you’re a devout Catholic or simply a cultural observer, playing witness to these events can offer a profound sense of place and history. It’s one of those rare moment when time seems to stand still, allowing you to step through the veil of history and culture, and into the footsteps of centuries-old traditions. Truly, a very unique and special experience!
For Costa Ricans, family is the heart of Easter celebrations. Semana Santa is a time to gather, cook, and reflect together. Whether it’s sharing a meal of seafood soup or attending a procession, these moments of connection are treasured above all.
As a traveler during the Easter holiday in Costa Rica, you can join in this spirit of togetherness, whether by participating in a local event or simply observing the strong sense of community that permeates Costa Rican life during Holy Week.
The Easter holiday in Costa Rica is an absolute feast for the senses, with traditional dishes that are as rich in flavor as they are in history. During Holy Week, red meat is often replaced with seafood and vegetarian options in honor of Christ’s sacrifice.
Among the must-try culinary treasures are:
- Miel de Chiverre: This sweet spread, made from a type of squash (imagine if a monster watermelon married a spaghetti squash), is a holiday favorite. Cooked with caña (unrefined cane sugar) and cinnamon, you’ll find it as a jam, an empanada filling (this is probably the most typical preparation), or simply eaten by the spoonful. Even better, miel de chiverre and empanadas de chiverre are sold at every market, grocery store, and street corner, making it an Easter staple you can’t miss.
- Arroz con Camarones (Rice with Shrimp): This flavorful dish replaces red meat, aligning with the religious tradition of abstention during Holy Week. Packed with fresh shrimp and seasoned with herbs and spices, it’s also delicious – and available at nearly every soda and restaurant throughout the country!
- Bacalao Guisado (Stewed Cod): A quintessential Holy Week delicacy, this savory dish is rich and comforting, often prepared with vegetables and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It pays homage to the religious customs of the season but be forewarned: It isn’t as popular a tradition as it once was, so this one can be harder to find in restaurants.
- Sopa de Pascua (Easter Soup): This lighter yet flavorful option features cod as its centerpiece, making it a go-to dish for those seeking a healthy and traditional meal. Its preparation closely follows Costa Rican customs, ensuring an authentic taste of Easter. Again, though, this one can be hard to find commercially!
- Picadillo de Palmito (Hearts of Palm Hash): Loved for its simplicity and exquisite flavor, this dish has become a Holy Week (and almost anytime) classic. Tender hearts of palm are combined with vegetables and spices in beloved Costa Rican tradition, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes for your Easter side dish.
- Salted Cod: As did many once-Spanish colonies, Costa Ricans mastered the art of transforming dried and salted cod into savory soups and stews, often paired with rice or vegetables. This is another hard-to-find dish, though, so you may have to ask around.
- Rosquillas: These crunchy corn-and-cheese based crackers (kind of) are baked to perfection, offering a simple yet satisfying snack that pairs beautifully with a cup of Costa Rican coffee.
The diversity of these dishes makes your Easter holiday in Costa Rica a culinary treasure hunt, one delicious discovery at a time.
No treasure hunt is complete without a little mystery, and the traditions surrounding Easter holiday in Costa Rica come with their share of superstitions. Passed down through generations, these tales add an intriguing layer to the holiday:
- Swimming on Good Friday: A popular superstition warns against swimming on this solemn day, lest you transform into a fish.
- Climbing Trees: Another curious belief suggests that climbing a tree on Good Friday might result in growing a tail.
While these legends are more playful than pious, they’re fascinating glimpses into the folklore that enriches Costa Rican culture. That said, today, this beloved lore is mostly viewed through a nostalgic lens.
Quiet Reflection: Visiting Seven Churches
Revisiting the religious, somber mood and historic context of Semana Santa, some devout Costa Ricans still hold the solemn tradition of visiting seven churches on Holy Thursday.
This pilgrimage symbolizes Jesus’ journey after His arrest and offers a moment of quiet reflection amid the week’s festivities. Each stop provides an opportunity to admire Costa Rica’s historic churches, many of which feature stunning colonial architecture, spectacular stained glass, and intricate altarpieces.
The Grand Finale: Easter Sunday
The crowning jewel of your Semana Santa treasure hunt is Easter Sunday: A day of joy and renewal, it’s marked by festive masses, family gatherings, and outdoor celebrations.
Unlike the somber tone of Good Friday, Easter Sunday is jubilant, reflecting the resurrection of Christ and the start of a new cycle. And for travelers, this marks the perfect opportunity to join the local community in celebrating this joyous day.
To make the most of your Easter holiday in Costa Rica, keep these practical tip in mind:
- Book Early: Holy Week is one of the busiest travel periods in Costa Rica, with locals flocking to beaches and mountains for a well-earned break. Secure your accommodations and car rentals well in advance.
- Prepare for Limited Services: Many businesses close or operate on reduced schedules during Holy Thursday and especially Good Friday. Stock up on essentials before the holiday begins. (If you’re arriving mid-week, our concierge will be happy to arrange for grocery pre-stocking!)
- Embrace the Heat: The sun is out! Light clothing and plenty of sunscreen are must-haves for your trip.
- Navigating the Dry Law: While Costa Rica’s strict Dry Law has relaxed in recent years, alcohol sales may still be limited in specific cantones (like counties) on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Plan accordingly.
Ready to spend your Easter in Costa Rica? We still have select availability but they're sure to book fast, so act quickly!
Tamarindo | 4 bedrooms | 3 baths | 7 to 10 guests
Somewhere between sea and sky, of in-the-middle-of-it-all and off-the-beaten-path, Casa Xanadu sits overlooking Las Baulas National Marine Park and its important sea turtle nesting sites; the Tamarindo Estuary, a rare and ecologically important wildlife habitat; critical and rare tropical dry forest; and two scenic beaches (Playa Tamarindo and Playa Grande), both known for their sand and surf.
And here, at the crossroads of wildlife and wonder, Casa Xanadu welcomes you to some of the best sunset lookouts in the area, paired with shaded terraces, a private infinity pool and sun-splashed balconies. Tucked into the embrace of this luxury home, where oversized windows frame the view and even the most discerning travelers find their happy place, this is the kind of home-away-from-home that makes you wish you were just home.
Because this view? It's why you came, why you're here, and why you'll want to stay forever. Welcome to Casa Xanadu. Welcome to paradise!
Tamarindo | 10 Beds | 11 Baths | 23 Guests
Welcome to Royal Estates, a stunning ocean-view retreat in Tamarindo’s exclusive El Tesoro gated community. This luxurious estate features two elegant villas connected by a lush tropical pathway, offering over 200 degrees of breathtaking ocean and mountain views. Every room invites you to marvel at Tamarindo’s unparalleled scenery while enjoying the perfect harmony of modern design and natural beauty.
With two private pools framing spectacular sunsets over the Pacific, Royal Estates is the ideal setting for serene escapes or festive celebrations. Light-filled interiors and tranquil outdoor spaces, including spots for yoga or ocean-view massages, create a sanctuary of comfort and elegance.
Your stay includes dedicated house staff for breakfast prep, cocktail service, cleaning, and laundry, ensuring effortless relaxation. Located just minutes from Tamarindo Beach and its vibrant town, Royal Estates promises an exceptional experience of sophistication and tropical charm.
Playa Flamingo | 5 bedrooms | 6 baths | 10 guests
Set on a beachfront hillside, Flamingo Blu represents so much of what we – and you – love about oceanfront living: breezes that refresh and ocean horizons that never end, sunsets etched in memory and the harmonies of crashing surf. This is the picture of artful living and a vacation in paradise – one of our newest and most exclusive oceanfront vacation rentals in Tamarindo (technically, Flamingo), and an exquisite property.
Built completely in the round, Flamingo Blue is a riot of streaming light, mindful flow, high design, and awe-inspiring views, the latter thanks to its hillside position: The views, the breeze, and all of Guanacaste seems to unfold at your feet, sweeping up to greet you to wild and wonderful Costa Rica. And all this, just steps to the beach. For, though Flamingo Blu rises above the sea, it is still of the sea: a private beach staircase descends from the pool terrace to the sea, inviting beachfront sojourns and refreshing dips, toes in the sand and front-row seats to sunsets that glint off a calming Pacific.
Whether you’re marveling at flower carpets, savoring miel de chiverre, or joining a procession under the tropical sun, each discovery during your Easter holiday in Costa Rica is a treasure unto itself. With our blend of spiritual traditions, culinary delights, and family connections, Semana Santa offers an unforgettable cultural experience – one that transforms an ordinary vacation into a journey rich with meaning and wonder.
At Stay in Tamarindo, we really are different. We really do care about you. And we really will go the extra mile to make your Costa Rica luxury vacation whatever you want it to be. We’re going to work hard for you. We’re going to follow up with you. And we’re going to do everything we can, to ensure that this is not just your Best Trip Ever, but also Everything You Want It to Be.
We hope to transform the way you vacation. We want to deliver the best everything you’ve ever experienced – including the best value. And we want you to go home completely fulfilled, whether you came to relax for a week straight or packed your days full of every adrenaline-soaked, high-adventure activity you could fit in.
So go ahead, give us a try. Embrace the experience. Live your best life. And now, book your best-ever vacation. It all starts with getting in touch with our concierge, Cris!