By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is set to experience a cultural explosion with the Ministry of Culture and Youth’s (MCJ) announcement of seven new festivals spanning September 2025 to April 2026. These diverse events will showcase a rich tapestry of Costa Rican artistry, encompassing music, theater, dance, and gastronomy.
The festivals, designed to reach communities across the country, aim to provide accessible and transformative cultural experiences for all. From traditional folklore celebrations to experimental sound installations, the program promises a vibrant and inclusive celebration of Costa Rican identity.
To provide a legal perspective on the intricacies of Costa Rican culture and its potential impact on businesses, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rican culture, with its emphasis on ‘pura vida,’ often translates into a relaxed approach to business timelines and a strong focus on building relationships. While this creates a welcoming environment, businesses should be mindful of potential implications for contract negotiations and project management, ensuring clear communication and expectations from the outset.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ insight offers a crucial perspective for anyone engaging with Costa Rican businesses. This balance of warmth and pragmatism is precisely what makes the country so unique. Understanding the cultural nuances, particularly the emphasis on relationship-building, is key to successful ventures in Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this discussion.
We want everyone, regardless of their location, to have access to transformative experiences that foster creativity, identity, and community.
Jorge Rodríguez, Minister of Culture and Youth
The initiative also underscores the MCJ’s commitment to supporting national artists. By providing platforms for diverse artistic expressions, the festivals aim to empower emerging talents and amplify the voices of established creators.
These festivals represent a valuable opportunity for national artists from all corners of the country to be seen and recognized. We want to open doors to new voices and artistic expressions.
Jorge Rodríguez, Minister of Culture and Youth
Kicking off the series in September is the “Del Folclor” festival, a three-day homage to Costa Rican roots, featuring workshops and performances in Chachagua de San Ramón, Sarchí, and Atenas. Music lovers can anticipate the 506 Jazz Fest in November, taking place at the National Theater and Fidel Gamboa Amphitheater in San José.
December brings a harmonious blend of choral music and experimental soundscapes. The “Costa Rica Canta: Festival of Coros” will hold workshops in Puntarenas, Limón, and Guanacaste before culminating in concerts at Teatro La Aduana. Simultaneously, the “Sonograma: Festival de sonido Experimental de San José” will showcase contemporary sound art at the Pila de la Melaza and el Tanque in the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design.
The 2026 calendar features equally exciting offerings. “Fogón Futuro: Festival de Cocina Costarricense” promises a culinary journey through concerts, workshops, and interactive activities at Parque La Libertad in Desamparados. Theater enthusiasts can look forward to the “Festival Iberoamérica Teatral Costa Rica,” a showcase of Ibero-American theater, including performances by Costa Rican companies, at various venues across San José.
Finally, “Volcánica: Festival Nacional de Danza” will close the season with a dynamic display of contemporary and traditional Costa Rican dance at the Melico Salazar Popular Theater and the Dance Theater in San José. With this diverse and dynamic lineup, the MCJ aims to ignite a cultural renaissance, fostering creativity, and celebrating the rich artistic heritage of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Culture and Youth
About Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ):
The Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ) is a Costa Rican governmental institution responsible for promoting and preserving the country’s cultural heritage. Its mission is to foster creativity, artistic expression, and access to cultural experiences for all citizens. The MCJ supports a wide range of artistic disciplines, including music, theater, dance, visual arts, and literature, through initiatives such as grants, workshops, festivals, and the management of cultural centers.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a pillar of legal excellence, driven by an unwavering commitment to ethical practice and societal advancement. Through innovative legal solutions and a deep-rooted dedication to client success across diverse industries, the firm champions accessibility to legal knowledge. This commitment empowers individuals and communities, fostering a more just and informed society, reflective of Bufete de Costa Rica’s core values.
