Easter Week in Costa Rica

Next week is Easter week here in Costa Rica, March 25-31. That means that if you want to be in the spirit you and your family, friends, take 2-3 days off or all week and head to one of the many beaches. If decide to stay around the homestead you'll be in the minority and find traffic and crowds to be delightfully scarce.

 

There have been some changes to the way the holiday is celebrated here. When I lived here in the 90's we shut down our manufacturing facilities for the week as many companies did and for those that qualified it was a week of paid holiday. Now as then each employee earns one day of vacation for each month worked by law. Most manufacturing has left the country and been replaced by call centers for banks, insurance, other financial businesses. Due to their 24/7, 365 day needs it is harder for workers to acquire the full week so they settle for the 2-3 day option.

 

Another change. Businesses like shopping malls and restaurants stay open the entire time. Before many closed for the week and in many ways they just rolled up the sidewalks due to lack of people around. 

 

Back then there was nothing to do anywhere in the cities and towns so I found myself at home watching TV and playing pool, billiards, and drinking at my bar. I was new to the country and had no desire to explore. Due to poor infrastructure and no GPS I had no desire to go out and get lost for days in a country that I did not speak the language. Thank goodness my bar was fully stocked and I had cable TV and a large swimming pool in the backyard.                                                               

 

This being a predominately Catholic country there are numerous religious processions, parades, with people dressed in the traditional garb of the time when Christ was here on earth. There are the three wise men as well as the Virgin Mary and Jesus statues carried in the

streets with somber people following behind. I have seen several of them and I can attest to the fact that some of the parade-goers did not have virgin margaritas before arriving for the activity. But then Jesus's first miracle WAS turning water into wine.        

 

There are many beaches here to visit and all are only a 1-2 hour drive. The bus service to 90% of them is very good. You can book a package that is all-inclusive at the hotel and does include the bus fare. Or you can stay at home and entertain the grandkids for most of the week. Chasing them around the park and planning day trips to keep them happy and get some education at the same time. Just make sure the bar is stocked for your recovery in the evenings when you put them to bed and collapse in front of the TV.  

 

footnotes:

The tradition of Easter baskets and hiding Easter eggs does not exist here.  

Since there was no clear winner in the presidential election,

 the runoff will be Easter Day this year!!