From Guanacaste to Limón, through mountains, parks, and squares, the mothers of Costa Rica will receive a unique gift this August: a national serenade that will unite the seven Meritorious Concert Bands and the young talents of the National System of Music Education (SINEM) in a tribute filled with music and gratitude.

With repertoires ranging from classical pieces to boleros, cumbias, and popular music, each performance aims to honor the love, dedication, and fundamental role of mothers in families and communities.

“Music has the power to say what words cannot express. This Mother’s Day, every chord and every melody played by our Meritorious Bands and the youth of SINEM is a profound ‘thank you’ to the women who gave us life and taught us to dream. May this celebration be a sonic embrace to all the mothers of Costa Rica,” said Jorge Rodríguez Vives, Minister of Culture and Youth.

Programming Highlights

• Thursday Dance Party – National Band of Alajuela, August 14, 12 noon, Fidel Gamboa Amphitheater (Cenac).
• Special Concert with Humberto Vargas – National Band of Alajuela, August 21, 7 p.m., Juan Santamaría Historical Cultural Museum, Alajuela.
• Traveling Serenade in Liberia – The National Band of Guanacaste will tour several neighborhoods on August 14, bringing music directly to the communities.
• SINEM Concerts – Performances in Liberia, Pococí, San Carlos, and Alajuela, with repertoires that include “Luna Liberiana” and Shostakovich’s “Waltz No. 2.”

The performances will include works such as “Granada” by Agustín Lara, “Sabor a mí” by Álvaro Carrillo, “Hasta siempre Mamá” by Víctor Hugo Berrocal, “My Way” by Paul Anka, “Las Avispas” by Juan Luis Guerra, and “Pájaro Cantaor” by Otto Vargas, among many others.

Each concert will be an opportunity to share as a community, enjoy live music, and celebrate the mothers of Costa Rica together.

Below is the schedule of activities:

Schedule | Mother’s Day Concerts

Meritorious Directorate of Bands

Meritorious National Band of Limón

• August 12, 7:30 p.m., Season Concert “Mother’s Day,” at the House of Culture of Limón.

Meritorious National Band of Cartago

• August 14, 6:30 p.m., “Mother’s Day” concert, Municipal Amphitheater of Cartago. Tickets available at: https://anfiteatro.muni-carta.go.cr/

Meritorious National Band of San José

• August 14, 6 p.m., concert “Dearest Mother,” at the Teatro de la Aduana. Free admission.
• August 17, 11 a.m., Concert “For the Queen,” at the Community Hall of Cedros, Sabanilla, Montes de Oca.

Meritorious National Band of Alajuela

• August 14, 12 noon, “Thursday Dance Party,” at the Fidel Gamboa Amphitheater, National Center of Culture (Cenac).
• August 21, 7 p.m., Saxophonists’ Encounter and “Tell Mothers Right Away,” special guest Humberto Vargas, as part of the “Music at the Museum” program, Juan Santamaría Historical Cultural Museum, Alajuela.

Meritorious National Band of Guanacaste

• Serenade for Mom
  • August 13, 9:00 a.m., Barrio San Roque School, Liberia
  • August 14, 5:00 p.m., Plaza of Barrio El Gallo, Liberia
  • August 14, 5:30 p.m., Corazón de Jesús Catholic Church, Liberia
  • August 14, 5:50 p.m., Plaza of Barrio San Roque, Liberia
  • August 14, 6:10 p.m., Plaza of Barrio Moracia, Liberia
  • August 14, 6:30 p.m., Rodolfo Salazar Park, Liberia
  • August 14, 7:00 p.m., Plaza del Salto of Liberia
• August 21, 9 a.m., Pueblo Nuevo School of Liberia

Meritorious National Band of Puntarenas

• August 14, 6 p.m., Special Concert for Mothers, House of Culture of Puntarenas
• August 17, 10 a.m., Special Concert for Mothers, Esparza Park

Meritorious National Band of Heredia

• August 17, 10 a.m., “Recess in the Park” Concert dedicated to mothers, Nicolás Ulloa Central Park of Heredia

National System of Music Education (SINEM)

SINEM Liberia

• August 13, 6:30 p.m., Alfonso Chavarría Chamber Orchestra Concert, Museum of Guanacaste. Free admission.

SINEM Pococí

• August 14, 7 p.m., Mother’s Day Concert – Orchestral Workshop and Tutti Orchestra, SINEM Pococí Venue.

SINEM San Carlos

• August 14, 7 p.m., Symphony Orchestra A Concert, Hotel El Tucano. Free admission.

SINEM Alajuela

• August 27, 6 p.m., VII Youth and Music Concert 2025: Dedicated to Mothers, Juan Rafael Mora Porras Auditorium, Juan Santamaría Historical Cultural Museum. Free admission.