Costa Ricans love their fiestas, annual celebrations held all over the country to commemorate historic national events and to pay tribute to local fare, traditional music and more. This month, Costa Ricans will once again celebrate Carnaval in the Limon province, which was originally established in 1949 in remembrance of Christopher Columbus’ arrival to Costa Rica at Puerto Limon. The idea for Carnaval is said to have been dreamed up by Alfred “King” Smith and some friends while chatting at Smith’s barber shop in Limon’s center.

Carnaval is known for its attention to Caribbean culture and also for its emphasis on local dance. Costa Rican women, especially those of African descent, dress in traditional costumes and move their caderas (hips) to Caribbean beats while participating in desfiles (parades). In these same parades, spectators will also enjoy seeing carrozas (floats) made by locals. Try some foods for which this region is especially known including eschabeche de pesado (marinated fish), cola de chancho frita (fried pig tail), pan bon (sweet bread) and ale (lemon fruit drink which also has ginger and sugar cane). We can’t wait to get to Limon to check it out!