Festival of Zapote

The Festival of Zapote is an annual event that takes place in the town of Zapote, just outside the capital city of San Jose, in Costa Rica. The festival is a celebration of Costa Rican culture and traditions, and is one of the most important events of the year for many Costa Ricans.

Held for two weeks, in December

The festival is typically held for two weeks, starting in late December and running into early January. It is a time for Costa Ricans to come together to celebrate the end of the year and the start of a new one. The festival is also a popular time for tourists to visit Costa Rica, as it offers a unique and exciting cultural experience.

One of the main events of the Festival of Zapote is the bullfighting. Costa Rican bullfighting is different from traditional bullfighting found in Spain and other countries. In Costa Rica, the bull is not killed, and instead, riders attempt to grab ribbons tied to the bull’s horns while avoiding its charges. This type of bullfighting is known as “corridas de toros” or “bull runs”.

Thrilling and exciting traditional rodeo

The bull runs are a thrilling and exciting spectacle, with riders attempting to grab the ribbons while the bull charges towards them. The bull runs are divided into different categories, including amateur, semi-professional, and professional. The professional category features the most skilled riders and the most aggressive bulls, making it the most exciting to watch.

Aside from the bull runs, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at the Festival of Zapote. Visitors can enjoy live music, carnival rides, and traditional Costa Rican food and drink. There are also games and activities for children, making it a great family event.

History of the Festival

The Festival of Zapote has a long and interesting history. It first started as a simple country fair in the early 19th century, but has since grown into one of the most important cultural events in Costa Rica. The festival attracts thousands of visitors every year, including both locals and tourists, and is an important part of the country’s cultural heritage.

One of the highlights of the festival is the “Mascarada” parade, which takes place on December 26th. During this parade, locals dress up in colorful costumes and masks and parade through the streets of Zapote. The parade is a great way to experience the festive spirit of the festival and is a popular event for both locals and tourists.

Tope Nacional of Costa Rica

Another important event during the Festival of Zapote is the “Tope Nacional” horse parade, which takes place on December 27th. This parade features thousands of horses and their riders parading through the streets of San Jose, showcasing the country’s strong equestrian culture. The parade is a sight to behold, with horses of all sizes and colors, and riders dressed in traditional Costa Rican attire.

In addition to the bull runs and parades, the Festival of Zapote also features a variety of traditional games and activities. One of these games is “la rana”, which involves tossing coins at a small target in an attempt to win prizes. Another popular game is “el martillo”, which involves using a large hammer to ring a bell.

For those looking for something more adventurous, there are also carnival rides and attractions, including a Ferris wheel and a roller coaster. The carnival rides are a great way to experience the festival from a different perspective and offer a break from the excitement of the bull runs and parades.

Overall, the Festival of Zapote is a must-see event for anyone interested in Costa Rican culture and tradition. The festival’s unique bull runs, live music, and carnival rides make it a fun and exciting event for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the Festival of Zap