RIDE Cultural Brings Music, Tradition and Free Activities to Three Alajuela Communities

From August 21 to 23, 2026, the communities of San Mateo, San Rafael and Poás, in Alajuela, will host a new edition of RIDE Cultural, an initiative of the Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ) that brings free cultural activities directly to local communities.

Three Days of Free Cultural Activities

The program includes a wide variety of activities for different audiences, including music, dance, theater, workshops, literature, folklore, educational activities and artistic performances.

In San Mateo, the program includes folklore performances, student concerts, poetry, theater and a dance concert by the National Band of Alajuela.

Activities for the Whole Family

The event will also offer activities for children and families. The Bibliobus, operated by the National Library System, will be present in San Mateo and San Rafael, while museums and cultural institutions will offer workshops on archaeology, masks, heritage and the environment.

Other activities include theater and dance workshops, storytelling, exhibitions, talks and educational programs, allowing participants to experience different forms of Costa Rican culture in their own communities.

Music and Local Traditions

Music and traditional arts will play an important role throughout the weekend.

The schedule includes folkloric performances, live concerts, body music, poetry and performances by local groups, as well as participation from institutions such as the National Bands, the National Museum and the Costa Rican Museum of Art.

The Cultural Passport Makes Its Debut

One of the main new features of this edition is the launch of the Pasaporte Cultural, an initiative designed to encourage domestic and rural tourism.

The passport will guide participants along a route highlighting historical, architectural and cultural sites in Alajuela, encouraging visitors to discover places of cultural and heritage value beyond the country’s traditional tourist destinations.

A Cultural Initiative That Travels to Communities

RIDE Cultural seeks to bring artistic and cultural programming directly into public spaces and communities across the country.

The initiative combines entertainment, education, heritage and community participation, making cultural activities accessible free of charge while highlighting local talent and traditions.