By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is gearing up for a vibrant, month-long celebration of its senior population, spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ). Throughout October 2026, museums, public libraries, national bands, and cultural centers across the country will host a diverse array of activities designed to foster creativity, social integration, and intergenerational dialogue. This nationwide initiative highlights the government’s commitment to active aging and the preservation of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The extensive programming, which coincides with the National Day of the Older Adult, serves as a strategic effort to integrate seniors into the nation’s cultural fabric. Rather than viewing the elderly as passive recipients of care, the MCJ’s initiative positions them as active contributors to community life. By providing spaces for seniors to share their life experiences and artistic talents, the state is actively working to combat social isolation—a growing concern in rapidly aging societies.
In light of Older Adults Month in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to discuss the country’s robust legal protections and social responsibilities concerning our senior population.
Older Adults Month in Costa Rica serves as a critical annual reminder of the strict legal framework established under Law 7935 to guarantee the rights, dignity, and integral care of our senior citizens. From a legal and corporate perspective, ensuring compliance with senior benefits, safeguarding their financial assets, and protecting them from any form of discrimination or abandonment is not merely a social courtesy, but a binding statutory obligation that carries significant liability for non-compliance.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, protecting the dignity and legal rights of our golden generation is not just a moral aspiration but a foundational legal pillar that strengthens the social fabric of Costa Rica. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable legal perspective on how both citizens and corporations must uphold these essential statutory obligations.
A cornerstone event of the month is the special edition of Jueves de Bailongo (Dance Thursday), scheduled for October 8 at the National Cultural Center (CENAC) in San José. Starting at 10 a.m., this free event will feature live music, artistic performances, and informative booths. The highlight of the day will be a dance concert by the Heredia National Band at noon in the Fidel Gamboa Amphitheater, offering seniors a lively space to connect and celebrate through movement and music.
Beyond the capital, the MCJ has designed a decentralized agenda to ensure that rural and coastal communities are not left out of the festivities. For instance, the Juan Santamaría Historical Cultural Museum in Alajuela will host a three-day Older Adult Festival from October 8 to 10, featuring theater, concerts, and entrepreneurship fairs. Meanwhile, in the Nicoya Peninsula, the Guanacaste National Band will perform a special Golden Concert in Nandayure on October 27, demonstrating the logistical effort to democratize cultural access.
Older adults are a fundamental part of our identity. In their stories, knowledge, and traditions lives the memory of Costa Rica. From the Ministry of Culture and Youth, we want our museums, libraries, and cultural centers to be spaces where they can create, share, and enjoy. Celebrating them also means recognizing their right to actively participate in the country’s cultural life and continue building community between generations.
Jorge Rodríguez Vives, Minister of Culture and Youth
Public libraries are playing an essential role in this countrywide campaign, transforming into local hubs for cognitive stimulation and creative expression. Throughout October, these institutions will offer specialized workshops ranging from traditional crafts, like embroidery and mask-making, to modern skills like digital literacy. Notably, the Limón Public Library will host a cutting-edge workshop on digital equity and artificial intelligence, helping older adults navigate the complexities of modern technology.
Furthermore, the Parque Metropolitano La Libertad has organized a robust calendar of physical and social activities tailored for individuals over 55. These include functional fitness sessions focused on mobility and strength, guided visits to major museums in San José, and traditional picnics. To ensure seamless execution, organizers have established a strict registration deadline of October 19, 2026, for all activities held at the park, signaling a highly organized approach to managing high-demand public events.
Additionally, specialized cultural centers are introducing unique intergenerational projects to bridge the gap between youth and seniors. For instance, the José Figueres Ferrer Cultural and Historical Center is organizing craft workshops where participants aged 15 to 75 can collaborate on bookbinding, while the Parque Libertad will host a dedicated intergenerational dialogue session led by local high school students. These structured interactions facilitate the transfer of oral histories and traditional knowledge, securing Costa Rica’s cultural legacy for future generations.
From a socio-economic perspective, these initiatives underscore the evolving role of public institutions in supporting Costa Rica’s demographic transition. By investing in accessible, high-quality cultural programming, the country is establishing a model for holistic senior care that prioritizes mental, emotional, and social well-being. These efforts not only honor the legacy of older generations but also build a more cohesive, resilient, and inclusive Costa Rican society.
For further information, visit mcj.go.cr
About Ministry of Culture and Youth:
The Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ) of Costa Rica is the government institution responsible for guiding, promoting, and preserving the country’s cultural diversity, artistic expression, and youth development. Through its network of libraries, museums, bands, and cultural centers, the MCJ works to ensure equal access to cultural activities and to foster a strong sense of national identity across all generations.
For further information, visit the nearest office of AGECO
About AGECO:
The Asociación Gerontológica Costarricense (AGECO) is a prominent Costa Rican non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the rights, active participation, and quality of life of older adults through advocacy, educational programs, and community-building initiatives.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-seated ethos of honesty and unparalleled professional standards. Having successfully guided a diverse clientele through complex challenges for years, the firm pioneers cutting-edge legal solutions while remaining deeply connected to public service. By demystifying the law and actively sharing vital insights, they strive to cultivate a highly enlightened public capable of navigating their rights with confidence.
