Close your eyes for a moment. Listen to the approaching beat of a drum, the lively and strident melody of a cimarrona band, and the laughter sparked by a cleverly recited copla. That is the soundtrack of our deepest identity, and this coming Saturday, August 9th, it will sound louder than ever in the heart of Escazú.

The National Festival of Folklore and Popular Culture is back, and this year is especially significant as it is dedicated to the memory of one of the greatest guardians of our traditions: the master, Dionisio Cabal. Join us to discover why this festival is an act of cultural resistance and a vibrant celebration of the traditions that define us as “Ticos.”

Dionisio Cabal Lives On: A Tribute to the Guardian of Folklore

To speak of folklore in Costa Rica is to speak of Dionisio Cabal. He wasn’t just a musician or a researcher; he was a “step-gatherer,” a storyteller, a tireless defender of popular culture. His work rescued legends, rhythms, and characters from being forgotten, which today form part of our collective imagination. This festival is the most fitting tribute to his legacy: a celebration that puts everything he loved and defended on the main stage, ensuring his spirit lives on in every dance and every verse.

The Party in the Streets: A Parade of Living Heritage

Get ready for a day full of color and tradition. The festival will feature some of the most important exponents of our popular culture:

• Music with Roots: Enjoy performances by renowned singer-songwriters like Esteban Monge, Manuel Monestel, and Guadalupe Urbina, whose songs are a portrait of our land and our people.
• The Magic of the Mascarada: You can’t miss the “triumphant entrance” of the Mascarada Escasuceña from the workshop of Michael Jiménez. Watching “La Giganta,” “El Diablo,” and other characters dance to the sound of the cimarrona is one of the most authentic and joyous experiences one can have in Costa Rica.
• The Art of the Spoken Word: The National Network of Copleros (reciters of traditional verses) will be present, sharing their wit and charm through the popular poetry that is born of the moment.

Why Does Folklore Matter? The Treasure of the Intangible

In an increasingly globalized world, festivals like this are an anchor to our roots. They are the manifestation of our “intangible cultural heritage”: those traditions, knowledge, and artistic expressions passed down from generation to generation. They are not objects kept in a museum; they are living treasures felt on the skin, heard with the heart, and celebrated as a community. To protect folklore is to protect our memory and our unique identity.

Folklore is Now

This festival is not a nostalgic look at the past, but proof that our popular culture is more alive than ever and continues to evolve. It’s an invitation to reconnect with the traditions that unite us and to celebrate the richness of being Costa Rican.

Don’t miss it! It’s a perfect opportunity to experience the magic of our folklore up close.