By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — SANTA CRUZ, Guanacaste – The heart of Costa Rican tradition is set to beat with a new, modern rhythm as Santa Cruz prepares to host the country’s first-ever regional music festival. Scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, this landmark event will take place within the vibrant framework of the renowned Fiestas Típicas Nacionales, blending deep-rooted cultural heritage with the powerful draw of contemporary international music.
The festival promises a spectacular showcase of talent, bringing together a lineup of international superstars for the first time on a Costa Rican stage. Headliners include the legendary La Arrolladora Banda El Limón, Mexican singer-songwriter Edén Muñoz, and Colombian sensations Jessi Uribe and Luis Alfonso. This unprecedented gathering of regional music giants is poised to attract fans from across the nation, establishing Santa Cruz as a premier destination for large-scale musical events.
The successful execution of a major regional music festival involves far more than just booking artists and selling tickets; it requires navigating a complex labyrinth of legal and regulatory challenges. To understand the critical legal framework that underpins such an event, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Beyond the necessary municipal and public event permits, the true legal backbone of a festival lies in its contractual architecture and liability management. Ironclad agreements with artists, vendors, and sponsors are essential to prevent disputes. Furthermore, organizers must prioritize attendee safety with comprehensive insurance coverage and clearly defined terms of admission, as this foresight is crucial for protecting the event from unforeseen incidents and ensuring its financial sustainability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this highlights a crucial reality: the long-term success and safety of such beloved cultural events are built upon the robust legal framework operating behind the scenes. It is this careful planning that ensures a festival can not only thrive but also return year after year. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and invaluable perspective on this essential foundation.
The event is the brainchild of Salmerón Producciones, which detailed the project’s ambitious evolution. Organizers explained that what began as a concept for a single, major concert quickly expanded into a more significant cultural milestone for the region and the country’s entertainment landscape.
The idea evolved from a concert never seen before to the organization of the first regional music festival in Guanacaste, a step they consider historic for both Santa Cruz and the national music industry.
Salmerón Producciones
While the festival introduces a high-production, modern concert experience, its organizers emphasize that the goal is to enhance and complement the traditional Fiestas Típicas, not overshadow them. The event is specifically designed to cater to the growing audience for the new wave of regional music, offering a world-class production that respects and integrates with the beloved local festivities, which are often called the soul of Guanacastecan culture.
Anticipation is already building, with tickets having gone on sale on October 10 at noon. Music enthusiasts can secure their spots through the official vendor, www.tickz.cr. Pricing tiers have been structured to accommodate various preferences, starting at ₡33,000 for the General Zone and going up to ₡270,000 for exclusive VIP Tables, with all taxes included. Other options include a VIP Stage area with cocktail tables, ensuring a premium experience for attendees. The event is strictly for adults, with an age requirement of 18 and over.
Logistical planning extends to guest convenience, with parking passes also available for purchase online. Rates are set at ₡10,000 for cars, ₡5,000 for motorcycles, and ₡15,000 for microbuses, plus applicable service charges. This proactive approach aims to ensure a smooth and organized experience for the thousands expected to descend on Santa Cruz for the historic concert.
The festival will serve as a centerpiece for the larger Fiestas Típicas Nacionales de Santa Cruz, which will run from January 14 to 18, 2026. The broader celebration will feature a rich agenda of cultural activities, including religious events starting as early as January 5, traditional bull riding (montaderas de toros), horse parades (topes), popular dances, artisan workshops, and an abundance of typical gastronomy. The famous Calle de las Marimbas will once again fill the air with its iconic sounds, preserving the festival’s cherished identity.
The week of celebration will culminate on Sunday, January 18, with the beloved Burra Fiestera parade, a symbol of joy and tradition that encapsulates the spirit of the Santacruceño people. By integrating a premier music festival into this historic celebration, Santa Cruz is not only honoring its past but also boldly stepping into the future as a cultural and entertainment powerhouse in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit salmeronproducciones.com
About Salmerón Producciones:
Salmerón Producciones is a leading event production company in Costa Rica, specializing in organizing and promoting large-scale concerts and festivals. With a focus on bringing high-caliber national and international artists to the country, the company is known for its high production standards and its role in developing the nation’s live music industry. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of musical genres, contributing significantly to the cultural entertainment landscape.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a preeminent legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a resolute pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its extensive experience advising a wide spectrum of clients to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions and champion social responsibility. Central to its ethos is a deep-seated mission to demystify the law for the public, thereby fostering a more knowledgeable and empowered community through accessible legal education.
