The Ministry of Culture and Youth invites you to enjoy a music-filled weekend with activities celebrating the National Calypso Day, taking place in Cahuita, San José, and other parts of the country.
The Ministry of Culture and Youth invites you to enjoy a music-filled weekend with activities celebrating the National Calypso Day, taking place in Cahuita, San José, and other parts of the country.
Below is a detailed overview of the activities:
Enjoy the 2025 National Calypso Festival in Cahuita
The community of Cahuita is hosting the 2025 National Calypso Festival this weekend in honor of the National Calypso Day. The program will include Calypso concerts by groups such as Junior y su Calypso, Los del Barrio, Calypso Family Band, Cantoamérica, Mike Joseph y di Gud Frendz, Kawe Calypso, among others. There will also be a discussion forum and a poetry workshop.
The activities have already begun and will continue on Thursday, May 8; Friday, May 9; and Saturday, May 10 at the Alfredo González Flores Park in Cahuita. Check the schedule here: https://tinyurl.com/2s4v83hh
In Costa Rica, Calypso was declared intangible cultural heritage by Law No. 9612, which also established May 7 of each year as National Calypso Day, the birthdate of Walter Ferguson.
The 2025 National Calypso Festival is a joint effort of the Municipality of Talamanca, the Ministry of Culture and Youth, the Ministry of Public Education, the Costa Rican Tourism Board, the Cahuita Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, and the Distance State University.
CENAC to Host the First 2025 National Band Festival
The National Center for Culture (CENAC) will host the first 2025 National Band Festival, a production by the Ministry of Culture and Youth, celebrating the 180th anniversary of the Band Directorate and the declaration of National Concert Bands and Municipal Bands as Distinguished Institutions of Costa Rican Music and Culture.
Musical performances will take place on May 9, 10, and 11 in the Fidel Gamboa Auditorium, located at CENAC. All concerts are free and open to the public.
The lineup includes performances by the Distinguished National Bands of Cartago, Alajuela, and San José; the Municipal Bands of Acosta, Guadalupe, Nicoya, Turrialba, and Zarcero; the Municipal Philharmonic of Naranjo; Bands from the University of Costa Rica’s Caribbean campus; as well as the Castella Conservatory Band and the Buenaventura Corrales School Band.
Additionally, the program will feature international guests: The Oregon Wind Ensemble from the University of Oregon.
Check the full schedule at: https://tinyurl.com/52cwsnmy
San José Also to Celebrate the Rhythm and Flavor of Calypso
The National Theater of Costa Rica (TNCR) will celebrate National Calypso Day on Sunday, May 11 at 2 p.m. with the show “Caribbean Rhythms,” a concert featuring Cantoamérica, Kawe Calypso, and The Beachers.
Tickets cost ₡12,000 for orchestra and main floor seats, ₡10,000 for balcony seats, and ₡7,000 for gallery. They are available at www.teatronacional.go.cr and at the TNCR box office.
Briefs | Cultural Agenda
National Calypso Day Celebration | Directorate of Bands
National Band of Limón
- Special concert at the 2025 National Calypso Festival in Cahuita.
- May 13, 7:30 p.m.: “National Calypso Day” concert, Música en Casa season, Casa de la Cultura in Limón.
National Band of Puntarenas
- May 8, 7:00 p.m.: Calypso Day Celebration Concert, Barranca Church.
- May 11, 10:00 a.m.: Calypso Day Celebration Concert, Pérez Park in Esparza.
National Band of Guanacaste
- May 11, 7:00 p.m.: Guanacastecan and Calypso Music Concert, Cañas Park.
SINEM Limón
- Discussion with Caribbean Breeze of SINEM Limón. May 9, 2:00 p.m., Casa de la Cultura in Cahuita.
- Concert with Caribbean People Orchestra and Uvita Kids Choir. May 10, 3:00 p.m., Casa de la Cultura in Cahuita.
