🕊️ Semana Santa—or Holy Week—is one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in Costa Rica. In 2025, Easter Week will be observed from Sunday, April 13 to Sunday, April 20, marking a sacred time of reflection, family gatherings, and colorful cultural traditions throughout the country.
For travelers visiting Costa Rica during Easter, Semana Santa offers a unique opportunity to experience local customs, religious processions, traditional foods, and the dynamic rhythm of Tico life in one unforgettable week.
What Is Semana Santa in Costa Rica?
Semana Santa is the week leading up to Easter Sunday (April 20, 2025). Deeply rooted in Costa Rica’s Catholic traditions, this holy period commemorates the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
While the religious observance is solemn and meaningful, it’s also a time when Costa Ricans—locally known as Ticos—take time off work and school to travel, reunite with family, and enjoy the country’s beaches, mountains, and national parks.
🙏 Semana Santa Traditions: A Blend of Reverence and Culture
Throughout the country, you’ll witness everything from village ceremonies and candlelit processions to large-scale reenactments of biblical scenes.
Highlights of Semana Santa Traditions:
- Holy Thursday (April 17) and Good Friday (April 18) are observed with great devotion, especially in towns like Cartago and San José.
- Streets are transformed into open-air theaters for religious processions, complete with costumes, floats (andas), and music.
- Churches hold special masses and vigils, with locals participating in events that date back generations.
And let’s not forget the folklore! Many Ticos believe that swimming on Good Friday can bring bad luck, while others say earthquakes are more likely during this spiritually charged time—adding a mystical touch to the week.
🍽️ Traditional Foods of Semana Santa
Food is an essential part of Semana Santa in Costa Rica, especially as many people abstain from meat during Holy Week.
Easter Treats to Try:
- Chiverre empanadas – pastries filled with sweet squash jam made from a seasonal local fruit.
- Arroz con mariscos – seafood rice, a delicious alternative to traditional meat dishes.
- Tamales de masa – vegetarian tamales made with corn dough and spices.
- Dulces tradicionales – local candies and desserts enjoyed only during this special time.
These meals are often enjoyed in large family gatherings, whether in the family home, at a rural finca, or beachside with a view of the ocean.
🏝️ What to Expect When Traveling During Semana Santa 2025
Semana Santa is one of the busiest travel periods of the year in Costa Rica. Here’s what travelers should keep in mind:
Expect:
- Crowded beaches and tourist hotspots, especially in Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, and Playas del Coco.
- Families camping at the beach, turning public areas into bustling weekend-long celebrations.
- Heavy traffic heading out of the Central Valley starting as early as Wednesday, April 16.
Consider Visiting:
For a more peaceful Semana Santa experience, try inland or less touristy destinations such as:
- 🌿 Monteverde – cooler weather, fewer crowds, stunning cloud forests, and birdwatching.
- 🌋 La Fortuna – hot springs and volcanic views with a tranquil vibe.
- 🦜 Tortuguero – a magical escape in nature.
- 🌳 San Gerardo de Dota – known for quiet hiking and quetzal sightings.
🚫 Closures & Holiday Hours in Costa Rica
During Holy Thursday (April 17) and Good Friday (April 18):
- Banks, government offices, and many private businesses close.
- Supermarkets and small stores may operate on reduced hours.
- Alcohol sales are traditionally restricted during these days—though this varies by municipality. In tourist zones, restrictions may not apply.
🚗 Semana Santa 2025 Transportation Tips
With millions of locals traveling during Semana Santa, transportation gets tricky. Plan smart:
- Expect major traffic delays on highways to the coast starting Wednesday through Easter Sunday.
- Some public buses run limited schedules during Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
- Use navigation apps like Waze to avoid major delays.
- Book private transportation with MonteverdeTravel.com 🇨🇷 to guarantee comfort and avoid the hassle.
✅ Tips for Semana Santa Travel in Costa Rica
- 🛒 Shop early: Stock up on groceries before Thursday.
- 🧁 Bring Easter candies if traveling with kids—selection may be limited.
- 🐟 Try local seafood and Easter desserts like chiverre jam.
- 🏨 Reserve accommodations and transportation early—Semana Santa fills up fast!
- 🕰️ Embrace “Tico time”—things move slower, so relax and enjoy the journey.
🌄 Why Visit Monteverde During Semana Santa?
Monteverde is the perfect destination if you’re looking for peace, nature, and culture away from the beach crowds. The cool mountain climate, lush cloud forests, and wide range of eco-tours, birdwatching, and guided night walks make it a refreshing place to spend Easter Week.
At MonteverdeTravel.com 🇨🇷, we offer:
- 🚐 Private transportation to and from Monteverde
- 🦜 Guided birdwatching and nature tours
- 🌌 Night tours in the cloud forest
- 🛏️ Local lodging recommendations
🧭 Plan Your Semana Santa 2025 Trip with MonteverdeTravel.com 🇨🇷
Whether you’re coming for the religious processions, the family atmosphere, or the natural wonders of Monteverde, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
👉 Contact us now to plan your Easter Week itinerary, book private shuttles, or schedule a custom tour in Monteverde and beyond.
Make your Semana Santa 2025 in Costa Rica unforgettable—rich in culture, full of flavor, and surrounded by nature.
