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Published on
Saturday, October 31, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
Costa Rica
celebrates National Masquerade Day on
Oct. 31, honoring a centuries-old
tradition recognized as part of the
country's national cultural heritage in 1997 through a
presidential decree. The celebration
coincides with Halloween, when
trick-or-treating has become popular in many parts of
the world. Traditional Costa
Rican masquerades feature large,
colorful papier-mâché heads made from
paper pulp or strips of paper mixed with
adhesive. The masks are mounted on tall
poles and placed over frames designed to
resemble human figures. These colorful
creations are considered works of art
and often portray political figures and
well-known personalities from Costa
Rican culture.
Parades featuring the giant figures fill streets across the country and remain an important part of community festivals. According to the Ministry of Culture, the tradition dates back to the Spanish colonial era in Cartago Province, where residents gathered for local celebrations. “The Day of the Traditional Costa Rican Masquerade is a celebration that represents the richness of our cultural identity and the creativity of our artisans,” authorities said in their statement. “Masquerades are more than a tradition; they are a national symbol that unites communities, strengthens our roots, and helps us pass on pride in our history from generation to generation.” This year, the Masquerade Fest will take place at two venues in San José.
Through
Nov. 6, a traditional mask festival is
being held
Monday through Saturday at the
José Figueres Ferrer Cultural and
Historical Center.
The exhibition features a large collection
of works representing Costa Rica's
mask-making tradition, created by folk
artisan Carlos Esquivel Ulate and his
family. The
display includes giant figures and
traditional masks inspired by iconic
characters from Costa Rican folklore and
legends, including La Cegua, the Devil,
the Witch and the
Skull. On
Saturday, the
National Theater in
San José will host a Folk Music and
Masquerade Festival featuring the
Guanacaste Municipal Orchestra. The
performance begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are
available at the theater box office and online. Municipalities
throughout the
country
will also organize
their own celebrations, featuring cultural
activities and traditional parades.
Residents
interested in attending events in their
communities can contact their local
municipalities for schedules and additional
information.
------------
What
have you heard about masquerade
parades in your community? We would
like to know
your thoughts
on this story.
Send
your comments
to news@amcostarica.com
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