In Costa Rica, Easter Week—known locally as Semana Santa—is one of the most meaningful and culturally rich times of the year. It is a week where faith, family, tradition, and travel intertwine. Streets fill with solemn processions, kitchens come alive with traditional recipes passed down through generations, and many Costa Rican families head toward the mountains or the beach for a well-deserved holiday.
For visitors, Semana Santa offers a unique window into Costa Rica’s spiritual heritage and lifestyle rhythm. It’s a time when you can witness deeply rooted Catholic traditions, taste seasonal dishes, and experience the country at one of its most vibrant moments.
A Week of Faith and Reflection
Costa Rica has strong Catholic roots, and Easter Week remains one of the most important religious observances of the year. Throughout towns and cities, especially in places like Cartago, San José, and rural communities, churches organize traditional processions reenacting the Passion of Christ.
These processions are solemn and powerful. Participants walk slowly through the streets carrying religious images, statues, and crosses, often accompanied by music and prayers. In some towns, the streets are decorated with colorful sawdust carpets (alfombras)—intricate designs created as offerings before the religious images pass.
For travelers, witnessing these traditions offers insight into Costa Rica’s cultural identity. It is not a commercial celebration—it is reverent, communal, and deeply symbolic.
Traditional Easter Flavors: A Taste of Costa Rican Heritage
Semana Santa in Costa Rica is not only a time of reflection—it is a season deeply rooted in culinary tradition. Many of the recipes prepared during Holy Week are seasonal, symbolic, and lovingly passed down through generations.
Empanadas de Chiverre
One of the most iconic Easter treats is the empanada de chiverre, a sweet pastry filled with jam made from chiverre squash (fig leaf gourd). The filling is slowly cooked with tapa de dulce (raw cane sugar), cinnamon, and cloves until it becomes dark, rich, and aromatic. Wrapped in a tender pastry crust, these empanadas are a hallmark of the season and are often homemade and shared among neighbors and family members.
Arroz con Camarones (Rice and Shrimp)
Because many Costa Rican families traditionally avoid red meat on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, seafood becomes the centerpiece of Easter meals. Arroz con camarones—rice cooked with shrimp, vegetables, herbs, and spices—is a festive and flavorful dish often enjoyed along the coast and in family gatherings. It reflects the country’s connection to the sea and highlights the abundance of fresh, local ingredients available during this time of year.
Rosquillas Guanacastecas
In Guanacaste, rosquillas are a beloved traditional snack frequently enjoyed during Easter Week. These ring-shaped corn and cheese biscuits are baked until golden and slightly crisp on the outside, with a dense and savory interior. Made with local corn masa and cheese, rosquillas embody the rustic flavors of the region and pair beautifully with coffee in the afternoon.
Arroz con Leche & Mieles
Sweet dishes also play an important role in Semana Santa celebrations. Arroz con leche (rice pudding flavored with cinnamon) is a comforting favorite, while mieles—fruits such as papaya or jocote simmered in syrup—bring natural sweetness to the table.
Together, these dishes reflect the simplicity, abundance, and community spirit that define Easter in Costa Rica. Food during Semana Santa is not elaborate—it is meaningful. It connects families, honors tradition, and celebrates seasonal ingredients rooted in local culture.
A National Holiday: Time to Travel
While Semana Santa is spiritually significant, it is also one of the most popular travel weeks of the year for Costa Ricans. Schools close, businesses reduce hours, and families head toward the coast, volcanoes, and rural retreats.
Beaches along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts become lively, while mountain and nature destinations offer a quieter alternative for those seeking reflection and relaxation.
For international visitors, Easter Week offers a dynamic mix of culture and vacation energy. It’s a chance to experience Costa Rica not only as a destination, but as a lived tradition.
Where to Stay During Easter Week
Semana Santa is an ideal time to combine cultural exploration with rest in nature.
For travelers wanting a beach escape, staying near the ocean allows you to enjoy warm, sunny days while still participating in local traditions.
For those seeking tranquility and reflection, rainforest lodges and mountain retreats provide peaceful surroundings—perfect for slowing down and embracing the spirit of the week.
Across Costa Rica, Enchanting Hotels offers distinctive stays that allow guests to experience Semana Santa in different ways—whether near the coast, in the rainforest, or beside a volcano.
You might begin your morning watching a procession in a nearby town, then spend your afternoon soaking in hot springs, walking through a tropical forest, or enjoying a quiet sunset dinner inspired by Costa Rican flavors.
Faith, Family, and the Spirit of Pura Vida
What makes Easter Week in Costa Rica truly special is how seamlessly faith and leisure coexist. It is common to see families attend church in the morning and then gather at the beach in the afternoon. Reflection and celebration share the same space.
For visitors, this duality is part of the magic. You witness reverence, tradition, and community—while also experiencing the country’s natural beauty at its peak.
Whether you’re drawn by cultural curiosity, gastronomy, spiritual interest, or simply the opportunity to travel during a meaningful season, Semana Santa offers something deeper than a typical vacation week.
Experience Easter the Costa Rican Way
Easter Week in Costa Rica is not just a date on the calendar—it is a living tradition. It is the scent of cinnamon and sweet dough baking in the kitchen. It is the quiet hum of a procession passing through town. It is the warmth of the sun after a morning of reflection.
If you’re planning to visit during this special season, consider extending your stay and exploring different regions of the country. From volcanoes to rainforests to beaches, Costa Rica invites you to experience Easter in a way that blends tradition, nature, and the relaxed spirit of pura vida.
