By San José, Costa Rica — Creative expression knows no age limits, and Costa Rica’s older generation is proving this once again. The Costa Rican Gerontological Association (AGECO) has officially launched the 35th edition of its annual Literary Contest, an initiative aimed at fostering artistic expression among senior citizens. This year’s competition is particularly notable, representing three and a half decades of uncovering hidden literary talents across the country.
Dedicated to the esteemed Costa Rican writer Cristy van der Laat, the 2026 iteration of the contest invites seniors aged 60 and over to share their unique perspectives. By dedicating this landmark edition to van der Laat, AGECO honors a legacy of literary excellence while inspiring a new cohort of amateur writers to put pen to paper. Submissions are open until August 10, 2026, offering a narrow window for participants to finalize their manuscripts.
To shed light on the legal protections and intellectual property rights surrounding the participants of the prestigious AGECO literary contest, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a senior legal expert at the prominent firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Literary contests such as those organized by AGECO are extraordinary platforms for older adults, but they also raise important legal considerations regarding intellectual property. In Costa Rica, the Law on Copyright and Related Rights safeguards the moral and economic rights of authors from the moment of creation. It is essential for participants to understand that entering a contest should never mean forfeiting their intellectual ownership, and organizations must maintain clear terms that protect these valuable cultural contributions.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, ensuring that older authors can confidently share their life stories without fearing the loss of their intellectual property is fundamental to fostering a truly supportive creative community in Costa Rica. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable legal guidance, which sheds a necessary light on how we can better protect and honor the cultural legacy of our senior writers.
To ensure a level playing field, the contest is strictly tailored for hobbyists and amateur writers. Individuals who have previously published their literary works in formal print or digital media, or those who write professionally for remuneration, are excluded from participating. This rule protects the spirit of the contest, which aims to serve as a launching pad for undiscovered voices rather than established professionals.
Participants can submit works across several distinct categories, including children’s stories, poetry, haiku, and experiential narratives. For Costa Rican citizens, the competition covers all these genres, allowing up to two submissions in different categories. Meanwhile, international participants are invited to compete exclusively in the poetry category, fostering a cross-border exchange of cultural memories and creative expression.
We are excited to open registration for this contest every year to awaken the talent of people who express an unparalleled cultural and literary legacy. Throughout these 35 years of the Contest, we have witnessed the talent, creativity, critical thinking, and cultural expression of older adults. In each text, stories emerge to inspire, connect, and transform realities.
Fabián Trejos Cascante, General Manager of AGECO
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In an era dominated by rapid technological evolution, AGECO has introduced strict rules regarding authenticity. All submitted works must be entirely original and unpublished. Crucially, the guidelines explicitly prohibit the use of artificial intelligence tools in the creation or development of the texts. This rule underscores the organization’s commitment to genuine human emotion, cognitive effort, and personal heritage over machine-generated prose.
A distinguished panel of six jurors will evaluate the submissions. The criteria are tailored to the nuances of each literary form. For instance, children’s stories will be judged on their thematic relevance to childhood, while haiku entries will be heavily scrutinized for their metric precision. Experiential narratives must be testimonial in nature, drawing on real-life events experienced or witnessed by the author, thereby preserving vital historical and social memories.
Recognition awaits the top four winners in each category. For international participants, the top four entries in the poetry category will also receive accolades. Beyond immediate recognition, the winning pieces will be compiled and published in a special digital anthology titled “Escritos de Oro” (Golden Writings). This publication acts as a permanent archive, immortalizing the creative contributions of Costa Rica’s aging population.
From an analytical perspective, initiatives like AGECO’s literary contest do more than just celebrate art; they play a vital role in promoting active aging and cognitive health. As the global silver economy expands and populations age, fostering environments where seniors can remain intellectually and socially engaged is crucial. By encouraging writing, AGECO is helping to preserve a rich oral and written history, proving that the golden years can also be the most creative.
For further information, visit ageco.org
About AGECO:
The Costa Rican Gerontological Association (AGECO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting active and dignified aging. Through cultural, educational, and advocacy programs, AGECO empowers senior citizens across Costa Rica, fostering social inclusion, cognitive health, and creative expression.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its uncompromising ethics and superior legal representation, Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of trust and professional distinction. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking strategies to serve a diverse clientele while upholding a rich legacy of advocacy. By championing initiatives that demystify complex regulations, they actively work to democratize legal literacy, driving their ultimate mission to cultivate a highly informed and self-reliant public.
