March 2026 promises to be a month full of cultural and social activity in Costa Rica. From important commemorations to urban and international festivals, the month marks a transition period toward Holy Week, combining tradition, art, and tourism.
March 8: International Women’s Day
On March 8, Costa Rica joins the global commemoration of International Women’s Day. This date seeks to recognize the struggle for gender equality and highlight the achievements of women in all areas of society.
In the capital, San José, marches, talks, and cultural activities will be organized, including exhibitions, academic lectures, and workshops focused on female empowerment. Public institutions, non-governmental organizations, and community groups will actively participate to promote reflection and social action.
International Women’s Day has become a moment of high visibility in the media and social networks, and it is an opportunity for all citizens to participate in educational and cultural activities across the country.
International Arts Festival (FIA) 2026 in San José
The International Arts Festival (FIA) is one of the most important cultural events in Costa Rica and Central America, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Youth. In 2026, the festival will celebrate its 37th edition, consolidating itself as a key point in the country’s artistic calendar.
This year, the FIA will take place from March 20 to 29, 2026, at the Metropolitan Park La Sabana in San José, turning this space into the cultural epicenter of the country for ten consecutive days.
The official program includes more than 70 artistic activities encompassing music, theater, dance, cinema, literature, visual arts, street performances, educational spaces, and platforms for cultural entrepreneurship. More than 450 national and international artists from at least 12 countries will participate, highlighting the regional and international scope of the event.
One of the novelties of this edition is the participation of Mexico as the guest country of honor, an element that strengthens the cultural agenda and bilateral relations between Costa Rica and Mexico within the framework of 195 years of diplomatic friendship between both nations.
FIA37 will feature shows in different formats, from symphonic concerts and contemporary music performances to theater, dance, and cinema, as well as street performances that will extend across various stages within La Sabana. The official opening is scheduled for Sunday, March 20, on the park’s main stage.
This festival, organized by the Government of Costa Rica, reaffirms the role of art and culture as public tools for social and community inclusion, promoting free access to high-quality artistic expressions for the population and visitors.
Second Sunday of March: National Oxcart Driver Day
Every second Sunday of March, the National Oxcart Driver Day is celebrated, one of Costa Rica’s most emblematic cultural expressions. The festival honors the oxcart drivers, who historically transported goods across the country using hand-painted ox carts, today recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
The main celebration takes place in Escazú and includes:
- Parade of carts decorated with traditional colors and motifs
- Folk music and traditional dances
- Gastronomic activities with traditional dishes
- Workshops and exhibitions on the history and culture of the oxcart driver
This day not only celebrates tradition but also educates the population about the importance of preserving Costa Rica’s cultural heritage.
Late February and early March: Envision Festival in Uvita
The Envision Festival, which is usually held between late February and the first days of March, takes place in Uvita, in Costa Rica’s South Pacific region. It is an international event that combines music, wellness, and sustainability.
Its main activities include:
- Concerts of electronic, alternative, and world music
- Yoga and meditation workshops
- Talks and experiences on sustainability and environmental awareness
- Art and visual performances
The festival attracts thousands of international and national visitors, generating a positive economic impact in the region and positioning Uvita as a cultural and tourist reference in the country.
March 29, 2026: Start of Holy Week
In 2026, Holy Week begins on Sunday, March 29, commemorating Palm Sunday and extending until April 5. The last part of March already feels the start of religious and tourist celebrations.
During the last days of March, the following are observed:
- Religious processions and liturgical activities in churches and plazas
- Increased domestic mobility to beach destinations and tourist areas
- Preparations in hotels, restaurants, and businesses to receive visitors
- Complementary cultural activities in different cities
Cities like Cartago and San José concentrate religious activities and traditional processions that attract both locals and tourists, reinforcing the cultural and economic importance of Holy Week.
March 2026: a cultural and transitional month
In summary, March 2026 in Costa Rica is a month of cultural identity, active tourism, and preparation for Holy Week. Among the highlighted events are:
- Social commemorations, such as International Women’s Day
- Urban festivals like the International Arts Festival in San José
- Traditional celebrations such as National Oxcart Driver Day in Escazú
- International events such as the Envision Festival in Uvita
- The start of Holy Week, with processions and religious activities
March combines tradition, art, and nature, offering unique opportunities for locals and tourists who wish to enjoy the country’s cultural richness and the first movements of the high tourist season in Costa Rica.
