April 2026 will be a dynamic month in Costa Rica, combining religious tradition, historical commemorations, and highly relevant cultural festivals. It is a period that marks the close of the high tourist season while maintaining an intense artistic agenda in the capital and other regions of the country.
Holy Week 2026 and National Holidays
In 2026, Holy Week runs from Sunday, March 29 to Sunday, April 5, meaning its main days are fully experienced in April. The official mandatory paid holidays are:
- Holy Thursday: April 2, 2026
- Good Friday: April 3, 2026
During these days, solemn processions, Stations of the Cross reenactments, liturgical celebrations, and community activities take place throughout the country. Cities such as San José and Cartago host major religious events.
At the same time, one of the largest internal tourist movements of the year takes place, with travel toward Pacific beaches, Guanacaste, Jacó, Manuel Antonio, and the South Pacific, as well as rural and mountain destinations.
April 11: Juan Santamaría Day and the Battle of Rivas
April 11 commemorates Juan Santamaría Day, honoring Costa Rica’s national hero, in remembrance of the Battle of Rivas (1856) during the National Campaign against the filibusters led by William Walker.
According to historical tradition, Juan Santamaría, a young drummer from Alajuela, set fire to the inn where enemy troops had taken refuge — an action that proved decisive for the Costa Rican victory.
This day is a mandatory paid national holiday and is celebrated with:
- Student parades and school bands
- Official civic ceremonies
- Floral tributes at the Juan Santamaría Monument
- Cultural activities at the Juan Santamaría Historical and Cultural Museum
The city of Alajuela is the epicenter of the celebrations, where thousands of people participate in patriotic ceremonies that reinforce national identity and the historical significance of the 1856–1857 Campaign. This holiday has a strong educational component, as schools and high schools prepare in advance with activities related to national history, civics, and collective memory.
Transitarte 2026 in San José
Transitarte 2026 will take place on April 10, 11, and 12, 2026 in San José, organized by the Municipality of San José. This urban festival transforms public spaces into open cultural stages featuring:
- Concerts by national artists
- Family shows
- Design and entrepreneurship fairs
- Urban art interventions
Transitarte has established itself as one of the most important cultural gatherings in the capital, stimulating the local economy and promoting free access to art.
Ibero-American Theater Festival Costa Rica 2026
The Ibero-American Theater Festival Costa Rica 2026 will be held from April 10 to 19, 2026, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Youth and the National Theater Company. Performances will take place at landmark venues including the National Theater of Costa Rica, the Teatro La Aduana, the 1887 National Theater Company, and the Teatro de la Villa in Desamparados.
The festival brings together national and international companies and offers theatrical performances, workshops, professional meetings, and educational activities that strengthen the country’s cultural reach.
Volcánica 2026: National Dance Festival
The Volcánica: National Dance Festival 2026 will be held from April 20 to 30, 2026 in San José, with performances at the Teatro Popular Melico Salazar and the Teatro de la Danza. This event drives national choreographic creation and brings together contemporary, traditional, and experimental dance proposals, consolidating itself as a key platform for Costa Rica’s artistic sector.
International CATIE Fair in Turrialba
The International CATIE Fair will take place on April 18 and 19, 2026 in Turrialba, organized by CATIE. This event combines:
- Exhibition of plants and agricultural products
- Innovation in sustainability
- Environmental education
- Family and gastronomic activities
It is an ideal opportunity for those seeking experiences linked to agroecology and sustainable development.
April 2026: Culture, Identity, and Movement
April combines religious tradition, historical memory, and artistic festivals that enrich the country’s cultural life. From the solemnity of Holy Week to the urban energy of Transitarte and the symbolic power of April 11, the month reflects Costa Rica’s cultural diversity.
It is a perfect period to:
- Experience patriotic celebrations
- Enjoy free festivals in the capital
- Participate in international artistic events
- Explore rural fairs and sustainable experiences
April 2026 promises to be a vibrant, diverse month full of opportunities to connect with the identity and creativity of Costa Rica.
