The Ministry of Culture and Youth is organizing a nationwide program of activities throughout August and September 2026 to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Costa Rica’s Afro-descendant population to the country’s national identity.
One of the main celebrations will take place in Limón on August 31, with the “Back to Our Roots” Black Culture Festival 2026 and the Grand Gala Parade, which will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Parquecito Asis Esna.
The program includes calypso, music, dance, literature, cinema, traditional cuisine, exhibitions, workshops and community activities in different regions of the country.
Bailongo Concert at CENAC
August 13 | 12:00 p.m. | Fidel Gamboa Amphitheater, CENAC, San José
The National Band of Limón will present a special concert featuring DanzLim from the University of Costa Rica’s Caribbean Campus, as well as Guisella Suárez, Claudio Taylor and Hortencia Smith.
The program will include calypso dance classes. Admission is free.
“Hilos de Identidad” Exhibition
Throughout August | National Library
The exhibition showcases traditional Limón costumes used during the Grand Parade and pays tribute to the women who make these garments.
The exhibition is organized by the Limón Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and the National Library of SINABI, with support from several institutions and organizations.
Admission is free.
Afro-Descendant Literature at Alajuela Public Library
August 26 and 28 | Alajuela Public Library
Activities include storytelling for young children, a literary workshop focused on Afro-descendant literature, and a special anniversary celebration featuring dance and poetry.
Afro-Costa Rican Literature Club in Atenas
August 26 | 4:00–5:30 p.m. | Atenas Public Library
The library will host a reading club dedicated to Afro-Costa Rican literature for adults.
Celebrating Afro-Descendant Culture in Goicoechea
August 14, 21 and 28 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Goicoechea Public Library
The “Tertuliando” program will bring older adults together to discuss and celebrate Afro-descendant culture.
Afro-Descendant Day in Liberia
August 28 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. | Liberia Public Library
A public celebration will highlight Afro-descendant culture and heritage.
Afro-Costa Rican Heritage at Limón Public Library
August 20, 21 and 28 | Limón Public Library
The program includes a literary exhibition featuring Afro-Costa Rican works, a series of talks focused on breast cancer prevention among Black women, and a Caribbean food tasting to close the month’s activities.
The food event requires prior registration.
Afro-Costa Rican Culture in Matina
August 21 and 28 | Matina
Matina will host a commemorative event at the local school on August 21, followed by a community gathering on August 28 dedicated to Afro-Costa Rican culture.
Afro Culture Workshops in Palmares
September 4 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. | Palmares Public Library
Children between 6 and 12 years old will participate in workshops exploring Afro-descendant culture.
Celebrating Afro-Descendant Culture in Puriscal
August 25 | 10:00 a.m. | Puriscal Public Library
An activity designed for children aged 0 to 5 will introduce them to Afro-descendant culture.
Afro-Costa Rican Stories in San Joaquín
August 28 | 10:00–11:00 a.m. | San Joaquín Public Library
Older adults will take part in a storytelling session featuring Afro-Costa Rican stories.
Afro-Descendant Activities in Santa Ana
August 26 and 27 | Santa Ana Public Library
Activities for young children will focus on learning about Afro-descendant heritage and culture.
Afro Celebration in Santa Cruz
August 31 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Santa Cruz Public Library
Children aged 6 to 12 will participate in a celebration dedicated to Afro-descendant culture.
Afro Literature Club in Tres Ríos
August 25 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. | Online
Adults can participate in a virtual reading club focused on Afro literature.
“Sabor Caribe” at the Juan Santamaría Historical Museum
August 20 | 7:00 p.m. | Alajuela
The National Band of Alajuela will perform a special concert featuring Kawe Calipso, a group from Cahuita.
Afro-Descendant Celebration in Alajuela
August 30 | 10:00 a.m. | Central Park, Alajuela
The National Band of Alajuela will take part in a Sunday celebration dedicated to the Day of Black People and Afro-Costa Rican Culture.
Educational Concerts in Cartago
August 24 and 28 | Cartago
The National Band of Cartago will present educational concerts at schools in San Nicolás and Corralillo as part of the Month of Afro-Descendancy.
African Diaspora Tribute in Liberia
August 30 | 10:00 a.m. | Mario Cañas Ruiz Park, Liberia
The National Band of Guanacaste will present a musical tribute to the African diaspora.
Afro-Costa Rican Culture Concert in Liberia
August 31 | 5:00 p.m. | Guardia Park, Liberia
The National Band of Guanacaste will present a concert dedicated to the Day of Black People and Afro-Costa Rican Culture.
Afro-Costa Rican Celebration in Heredia
August 30 | 11:00 a.m. | Nicolás Ulloa Central Park, Heredia
The National Band of Heredia will perform a special Sunday concert under guest conductor Alberto Portuguez.
Afro-Descendant Music in Talamanca
August 16 and 17 | Talamanca
The National Band of Limón will bring its Afro-descendant heritage program to Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva, Playa Chiquita and Hone Creek through a series of outreach concerts.
Music at the House of Culture in Limón
August 25 | 7:30 p.m. | House of Culture, Limón
The National Band of Limón will continue its historical Afro-descendancy program with a special musical performance.
Special Afro-Descendant Concert in Limón
August 31 | 7:30 p.m. | House of Culture, Limón
The National Band of Limón will close its August program with another special concert celebrating Afro-Costa Rican heritage.
“Entre Amigos” Concert in Puntarenas
August 27 | 6:00 p.m. | National Band of Puntarenas Hall
The National Band of Puntarenas will present a concert dedicated to the Historical Month of Afro-Descendancy.
Afro Family Concert in Pococí
August 28 | 6:30 p.m. | SINEM Pococí
SINEM Pococí will host a free concert celebrating families and Afro heritage.
Afro-Costa Rican Culture at the National Museum
August 30 | 11:00 a.m. | National Museum of Costa Rica
The National Band of San José will perform a special concert in the museum’s central garden to commemorate the Day of Black People and Afro-Costa Rican Culture.
Afro-Costa Rican History Through Film
August 30 | 5:00 p.m. | Canal 13
The Costa Rican Film and Audiovisual Center will present the documentaries El negro en Costa Rica and La región Atlántica de Costa Rica as part of the television program Memoria viva del documental costarricense.
Afro-Descendant Culture at the Guararí Civic Center
August 24–28 | Guararí Civic Center for Peace, Heredia
The program will include an exhibition of books by Afro-descendant writers, Anancy stories, a literary café, a film forum and an activity highlighting the contributions of Afro-descendant culture.
A concert by “Voces Heredianas” will take place on September 2.
African Heritage and Identity in Santa Cruz
August 26 | 6:00 p.m. | Santa Cruz Technical Professional College
A film forum will explore African heritage, knowledge and its importance in the history and culture of Guanacaste.
“Cabin in the Wata” and Afro-Caribbean Identity
August 27 | 5:30 p.m. | Santa Cruz Civic Center for Peace
Raíz Viva will present a performance inspired by Cabin in the Wata, exploring community resistance, historical memory and Afro-Caribbean identity through the iconic calypso music of Walter Ferguson.
Afro-Descendant Heritage in Corredores
September 1 | 5:30 p.m. | Corredores Civic Center for Peace
The event will include a documentary screening, a calypso workshop, a forum on Afro-Costa Rican musical heritage and a presentation of traditional foods.
Admission is free and the event is open to everyone.
Afro-Costa Rican Culture in Garabito
September 2 | 4:00 p.m. | Garabito Civic Center for Peace
The program will include exhibitions, discussions, storytelling, Afro-Costa Rican rhythm workshops and the unveiling of a mural.
The event is organized in collaboration with the University of Costa Rica. Admission is free.
Afro Rhythms and Dance at Parque La Libertad
September 20 | 10:00 a.m. | Parque La Libertad, Desamparados
Participants in the “Ritmos y Danzas Afro” sociocultural program will present three choreographies and other pieces representing Afro-Costa Rican traditions.
The event will also feature local entrepreneurship, traditional food, clothing and Afro-descendant jewelry.
“Back to Our Roots” Black Culture Festival and Grand Gala Parade
August 31 | 11:30 a.m. | Limón
One of the main celebrations of the month will take place in Puerto Limón with the “Back to Our Roots” Black Culture Festival 2026 and Grand Gala Parade.
The parade will begin at Parquecito Asis Esna and follow the traditional route through Puerto Limón.
The event will bring together music, dance, costumes, Caribbean traditions and community participation to celebrate Afro-Costa Rican heritage.
