By San José, Costa Rica — The Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ) of Costa Rica has officially launched its highly anticipated holiday campaign, Tiempo de Compartir. Running from November 19 to December 27, 2026, the 39-day cultural program is designed to transform public parks, historic theaters, and urban streets into vibrant hubs of Costa Rican heritage. Featuring 18 major civic and cultural events, the initiative aims to boost local economic activity while reinforcing national traditions during the year-end festive season.
This year’s strategic focus heavily leverages the findings of the 2026 National Culture Survey, which highlighted strong public demand for local artistic representation and culinary heritage. The survey revealed that 94.5% of Costa Ricans consider national gastronomy an essential part of their daily lives. Additionally, listenership of domestic music has experienced a dramatic surge over the last decade, climbing from 25.8% to 42.7%, justifying the ministry’s decision to place local performers at the center of the seasonal activities.
As Costa Rica prepares to launch its cherished end-of-year celebrations, navigating the regulatory and safety requirements of these massive public gatherings remains a top priority; to understand the legal framework behind these festivities, we spoke with prominent legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Organizing mass holiday events in Costa Rica, such as the iconic Festival de la Luz or local municipal tree lightings, demands strict adherence to multi-agency regulations. From securing Ministry of Health permits and municipal authorizations to ensuring robust civil liability insurance policies are in place, event organizers must proactively manage compliance to safeguard both public safety and corporate responsibility during the festive season.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, behind the vibrant lights and festive cheer of Costa Rica’s most beloved holiday traditions lies a complex foundation of legal and safety protocols that ensure these mass gatherings remain safe for everyone involved. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective, highlighting the critical, behind-the-scenes legal diligence required to make our holiday season both joyful and secure.
The Costa Rican Christmas is experienced in family, on the streets, and around the table, and that is where we want to be. This programming responds to what the country told us in the National Culture Survey: that Costa Rican food, our music, and our traditions are alive. We are opening the doors of all our spaces so that everyone can find a place to share. This is a way to celebrate national talent, as all activities are led by Costa Ricans, and that is why we want to celebrate our national creators.
Jorge Rodríguez Vives, Minister of Culture and Youth
The cultural itinerary begins with culinary engagement through the Sabores de Navidad traditional recipe competition, running under the broader Fogón Futuro 2026 strategy. Selected recipes will be compiled into a physical cookbook to preserve multigenerational culinary secrets. Following this, the 506 Costa Rica Jazz Fest will take center stage from November 19 to 21, hosting regional and international artists like Ed Calle alongside the National Symphony Orchestra, with the United States participating as the guest country.
Visual arts and physical heritage tours are also key pillars of the festival. On November 20 and 21, the Antigua Aduana will host the inaugural VIVÍ Vitrina Visual CR, a dedicated public marketplace aimed at expanding and formalizing the commercial market for local visual artists. Simultaneously, the Posadas de Luz walking tour will guide citizens through illuminated ministry buildings in downtown San José, offering traditional holiday refreshments and choral performances at each stop.
Costa Rican rural traditions will be celebrated in the heart of the capital with the annual Festival de Boyeros on November 28 and 29 at La Sabana Metropolitan Park. This massive event honors the traditional oxcart and features performances by the National Band of Guanacaste and university marimba ensembles, leading directly into the National Day of the Costa Rican Marimba. The integration of traditional agricultural heritage into urban spaces highlights the ministry’s goal of regional inclusivity.
December’s schedule starts with a strong civic focus, commemorating the 78th anniversary of the Abolition of the Army on December 1. A festive parade starting at the historic Cine Variedades will lead to the Plaza de la Democracy, culminating in a performance of Costa Rica Canta by the Youth Symphony Orchestra. This will be complemented by the 52-year-old Christmas Choral Festival held daily in the gardens of the National Theater, providing free musical entertainment to families.
A major highlight of the season is the grand-format production Donde nace la luz at the National Theater from December 6 to 16. Combining theater, dance, and live symphonic music, the production tells the magical journey of a young girl discovering a traditional Costa Rican Christmas. To ensure social equity, the Ministry is offering substantial ticket discounts for Brete cardholders and free entry for vulnerable populations registered with IMAS.
Strategic corporate and institutional partnerships have played a key role in bringing this expansive program to life. Co-sponsored by the National Insurance Institute (INS) and state-owned telecom provider Kölbi, the festival relies on coordinated support from the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), the national fire department, the Red Cross, and the Ministry of Health to guarantee safe, highly accessible environments for all attendees.
Tiempo de Compartir is an invitation to fill the plazas, theaters, and museums, for grandparents to take their grandchildren to see an oxcart parade, and for a concert in a park to become a year-end memory. That is who we are: a country that shares.
Jorge Rodríguez Vives, Minister of Culture and Youth
For further information, visit mcj.go.cr
About Ministry of Culture and Youth:
The Ministry of Culture and Youth of Costa Rica (MCJ) is the government institution responsible for directing, coordinating, and executing public policies related to cultural development, heritage preservation, and youth empowerment across the country.
For further information, visit grupoins.com
About National Insurance Institute:
The National Insurance Institute (INS) is Costa Rica’s state-owned insurance provider, playing a critical role in the country’s financial stability, public safety initiatives, and community sponsorships.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Distinguished by its ethical foundation and pursuit of peak professional standards, Bufete de Costa Rica serves as a trusted ally for a diverse range of clients. The firm consistently blends progressive legal strategies with impactful educational outreach, striving to make complex statutes understandable to all. Through this dedication to sharing clear legal insights, it aims to cultivate a highly informed populace and inspire a more equitable, self-reliant community.
