As we begin the last week of 2017, traditional activities take place in Costa Rica for the entertainment of Tico families.

Zapote: The popular Zapote festivities begin today and will extend through January 7th . The fair includes mechanical games for young children and adults, food stands, bars, and the center of all action of course, the Zapote redondel or bullring. There’s no bullfighting here, but just some shows of equestrian skill, rodeo type activities and “toreros improvisados” which are basically people that don’t have experience or skill as bullfighters but instead just get in the bullring and taunt the bull. This year five Spanish acrobats will be presenting a special show for the first time in the country; the redondel opens doors two times a day at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. The price per person is of ¢20,000 and the space now fits 3000 people after the Municipality of San Jose invested close to 60 million colones (approx. US$107,145.00) to expand the bullring to fit an additional 300 people and also remodeled the bleachers. The fair opens at 11 a.m. and the stands and games close at 2 a.m.

Tope: On Tuesday, December 26, downtown San Jose will be closed for the “tope” or horse parade. This basically involves horses of all sizes and colors, live music, and personalities of Costa Rica. The San Jose Tope will have the participation of close to 5000 cowboys. The event starts at Plaza Viquez, continues through the Second Avenue and concludes at Paseo Colon. Starts at 12 noon.

Carnival: Wednesday, December 27 is the date selected for the San Jose Carnival. Bands, antique or vintage cars and motorcycle parade, dance, music, costumes, will fill the streets with color and lots of fun. The event begins at 2:30 p.m. and finishes in Paseo Colon with a concert.

VIP areas to enjoy the carnival and the tope are available, information can be found at FiestasdeZapote-SJO in Facebook. (Images in gallery)

Don’t miss the fun! Live the end of the year with some Costa Rican flavor.