Costa Rica is a paradise for food lovers. Beyond the picture-perfect beaches, lush jungles, and abundant wildlife, this small but mighty country knows how to celebrate its culinary heritage. From mouthwatering pejibaye festivals to grand coffee celebrations, every food festival in Costa Rica offers a unique taste of tradition, culture, and, of course, irresistible flavors. If you’re the kind of traveler who plans trips around food (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), here’s a calendar of the best food and drink festivals you won’t want to miss.
January: Feria del Pejibaye (Peach Palm Fruit Festival) – Tucurrique
Let’s start with something uniquely Costa Rican—the pejibaye! This small, starchy, and slightly nutty fruit is celebrated in Tucurrique, the pejibaye capital of Costa Rica. The festival is a feast of creativity, with vendors serving everything from pejibaye soup and bread to pejibaye-flavored ice cream. There are cooking contests, cultural performances, and plenty of chances to try this local favorite in ways you never imagined.
🌟 Must-Try: Pejibaye ceviche (yes, it’s a thing!)
February: Pura Vida Cacao Festival – Talamanca
Chocolate lovers, welcome to heaven! The Pura Vida Cacao Festival in Talamanca celebrates the deep cultural and historical connection between cacao and indigenous communities in Costa Rica. The event features traditional cacao ceremonies, hands-on chocolate-making workshops, and enough free samples to keep your sweet tooth happy for weeks.
🍫 Must-Try: Freshly made chocolate straight from the pod
March: Mango Festival – Alajuela
March is mango madness in Alajuela, where locals gather to celebrate the golden fruit of the season. You’ll find mango in every possible form—smoothies, ice cream, jams, and even mango-infused beers. If you’ve ever doubted the versatility of a mango, this festival will make you a believer.
🥭 Must-Try: Mango empanadas
April: National Casado Festival – San José
If Costa Rica had a national dish, it would be casado—a hearty meal of rice, beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of meat. This festival in San José is all about celebrating casado in its many forms, from classic home-style cooking to gourmet restaurant versions. Food vendors, live music, and cooking competitions make this one a must-visit for those looking to experience pura vida on a plate.
🍛 Must-Try: Casado with fresh grilled tilapia
June: Chorreada Festival – Heredia
A chorreada is Costa Rica’s take on a corn pancake, and the Chorreada Festival in Heredia is dedicated to this simple yet delicious treat. Expect plenty of sweet and savory variations, along with freshly made coffee to wash it all down. It’s a low-key but charming festival, perfect for breakfast lovers.
🌽 Must-Try: Chorreada with natilla (Costa Rican sour cream)
July: National Corn Festival – Upala
Upala goes all out with its annual corn festival, a celebration of everything maize. This is where you can try Costa Rica’s version of tamales, corn cakes, and thick, creamy atol (a warm corn-based drink). The festival also includes traditional dancing, music, and storytelling sessions about the country’s agricultural roots.
🌾 Must-Try: Chorreadas and tamal asado
August: Whale and Seafood Festival – Osa Peninsula
Technically, this festival celebrates two things: the migration of humpback whales and Costa Rica’s love for fresh seafood. Hosted in the stunning Osa Peninsula, the event is a mix of marine conservation talks, whale-watching tours, and, of course, the freshest seafood you can imagine.
🐟 Must-Try: Grilled mahi-mahi tacos
September: National Coffee Day – All Over Costa Rica
Costa Rica takes its coffee seriously, and National Coffee Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in a caffeine-fueled adventure. Coffee farms across the country open their doors for tours, tastings, and special brews. If you’ve ever wanted to learn what makes Costa Rican coffee world-famous, this is your chance.
☕ Must-Try: A pour-over made with locally grown beans
October: Feria del Chiverre – Zarcero
Chiverre is a giant squash often used in Costa Rican desserts, and in October, the town of Zarcero dedicates an entire festival to it. If you love sweet treats, this is the place to be—expect chiverre pastries, candies, and even chiverre-based drinks.
🎃 Must-Try: Chiverre empanadas
November: Feria del Aguacate (Avocado Festival) – Naranjo
Move over, guacamole—Costa Rica takes avocados to the next level. The Avocado Festival in Naranjo celebrates this creamy green fruit with everything from avocado ice cream to deep-fried avocado balls. There’s also an avocado recipe contest, where local chefs show off their most creative dishes.
🥑 Must-Try: Avocado milkshake
December: Christmas Tamale Festival – Everywhere!
December is tamale season in Costa Rica, and nearly every town hosts its own celebration. Making tamales is a family tradition, and this festival showcases the best ones, from classic pork-filled tamales to vegetarian and seafood variations. If you’re in Costa Rica during the holidays, don’t leave without tasting one!
🌮 Must-Try: Traditional tamale wrapped in banana leaves
Come Hungry, Leave Happy!
Costa Rica’s food festivals aren’t just about eating—they’re about experiencing the country’s rich culture, meeting locals, and savoring flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or just someone who enjoys a good meal, these festivals offer a delicious way to explore Costa Rica. So grab your appetite and plan your next trip around one of these unforgettable culinary celebrations!
