Easter In Costa Rica 2025, Some Tips And Reccommendations To Survive It

In Costa Rica, Easter is known as Holy Week or ‘Semana Santa,’ and it’s one of the most amazing times to visit if you prepare yourself for the crowds that abound throughout this week.

In 2025, Holy Week begins on April 12th. However, since April 11th is a holiday (National Hero’s Day), many Costa Ricans start their vacations earlier, taking advantage of the long weekend for travel and leisure.

During this time, public employees and schools have the entire week off. For private companies, Thursday and Friday are mandatory holidays, leading to most businesses being closed.

Things to Keep in Mind When Spending Easter in Costa Rica 2025:

Crowds and Prices: Holy Week is one of the busiest times of the year, with crowds at attractions, national parks, and popular beaches. Expect higher prices for most tourism-related activities.
Reservations: If you haven’t made reservations yet, it might be challenging to find availability. For shore excursions, it’s best to book tours as soon as possible, as tourism vehicles are limited and fully booked during this week. Hotels are expecting over 95% occupancy this year.
Dry Law: On Thursday and Friday, selling alcohol is forbidden in some regions due to the dry law. While this used to apply nationwide, it now varies by municipality.
Seafood: During Holy Week, the Catholic tradition of not eating meat is observed. Enjoy traditional seafood dishes and other specialties like ’empanadas de Chiverre’ (a type of squash).
Catholic Processions: Almost every city holds Catholic processions during Holy Week. In downtown San José, you can see these parades near the central cathedral, depicting various biblical stories.
Weather: The weather during Holy Week is typically warm, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 88°F. On the Pacific Coast, temperatures can reach 96°F or higher.

Cultural Insights:

Religious Significance: Holy Week is deeply rooted in Costa Rican culture, with over 70% of the population identifying as Catholic. This week is a time for reflection, prayer, and community gatherings.
Family Time: Family is a cornerstone of Costa Rican culture. During Holy Week, families come together to celebrate, often traveling to the beach or countryside to spend quality time together.
Traditional Foods: Besides seafood, you can enjoy other traditional dishes like ‘arroz con leche’ (rice pudding) and ‘tamal mudo’ (a type of tamale without meat). These dishes are often prepared and shared among family and friends.
Superstitions: Some Costa Ricans observe superstitions during Holy Week, such as avoiding certain activities like swimming in the ocean on Good Friday, believing it brings bad luck.
Community Events: Many towns and cities host small-scale festivals, markets, and cultural events during Holy Week. These events offer a glimpse into local traditions and provide opportunities to engage with the community.

Recommendations if you are on vacation in Easter in Costa Rica 2025:

If you prefer to avoid crowds but still want to visit the beach, consider tours to the Caribbean side of the country, which offer a variety of activities and beautiful beaches.
For those who enjoy parties and socializing, the Pacific Coast has plenty to offer.
If you want to escape the heat, there are tours that take you to the mountains and visit a volcano, where the weather is cooler and more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Holy Week in Costa Rica 2025 is a vibrant and culturally rich time to visit. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in local traditions, enjoy the beautiful beaches, or explore the cooler mountain regions, Giotours has the perfect excursion for you.