Published on Thursday, October 31, 2024

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica celebrates Día Nacional de las Mascaradas, or Masquerade Day, established in 1996 to honor its cultural traditions.

The date coincides with trick-or-treating on Halloween, which has become a tradition in many countries on October 31.

Masquerades are massive papier-mâché human heads, a material made of paper pulp or pieces of paper mixed with an adhesive. The mask is placed on top of a tall pole and draped over a frame to form a person-like figure.

They are considered genuine artwork to portray political figures and popular people from the country's culture.

The masquerade parades take place throughout the streets and are key traditions in most communities' cultural events. Parades date back to the Spanish colonization era in Cartago Province, mostly when residents came together for festivals, according to the Ministry of Culture.

"Recognizing the artisan's work and the meaning of the masquerade is essential for preserving Costa Rica's intangible cultural heritage," said Dayana Morales, archaeologist and anthropologist at the Ministry's Center for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage.

On Thursday, parades are being held in many places to honor Masquerade Day, and they are arranged by the municipalities.

The Masquerade Festival will be held in the National Bank's headquarters in downtown San José. The festival, which begins at 3 p.m., features masquerade parades, dances, and concerts. The event is free to attend.

The Guanacaste Township Band will perform at the Masquerade Festival which will be held at Liberia Canton Central Park in Guanacaste. The free and pet-friendly concert starts at 5 p.m.

The Puntarenas Township Band will perform at the Masquerade Festival at the National Culture House in Puntarenas. The free show starts at 6 p.m.

The Alajuelas Township Band will perform at the Masquerade Festival at the National Technology University in Alajuela. The free and pet-friendly show starts at 7 p.m.

The National Network of Music Education Orchestra will perform at the Masquerade Festival which will be held at its facilities in Grecia Canton, Alajuela. The free and pet-friendly show starts at 5 p.m.

More Masquerade Day cultural activities are available on the Ministry's website.

----------------
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