Christmas in Costa Rica
Costa Rican Christmas, or Navidad Tica, features tamales, portal (nativity scene) building, and Tope, a traditional horse parade. The season runs from December through January 2, when the Tope fills San Jose with riders from across the country.
Costa Rican Christmas, called Navidad Tica, is defined by tamales, portales, and the Tope horse parade. The tamales, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed, require days of family labor. The portales (nativity scenes) are elaborate and competitive. And on December 26, the Tope fills San Jose with thousands of riders, turning the capital into a celebration of Costa Rica's rural heritage.
Tamales: The Family Project
Making tamales is the most important pre-Christmas activity. Families gather to prepare the masa (corn dough), cook the filling (pork, rice, chickpeas, olives, peppers), spread, wrap, tie, and steam the parcels. The process takes an entire day. Families make dozens, sharing with neighbors and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tope?
A traditional horse parade held on December 26 in San Jose. Thousands of riders from across Costa Rica participate, making it one of the country's largest cultural events.
Traditions & Customs
Tamales
Costa Rican tamales wrapped in banana leaves are the essential Christmas food. Families spend days making them in large batches. They are filled with pork, rice, vegetables, and olives.
Portal (Nativity Scene)
Building elaborate nativity scenes (portales) is a central Costa Rican Christmas tradition. Competitions for the best portal are held across the country.
Tope (Horse Parade)
On December 26, the Tope fills San Jose's main boulevard with thousands of horse riders from across Costa Rica. It is one of the country's largest cultural events.
Festival de la Luz
A parade of illuminated floats through San Jose in mid-December marks the start of the Christmas season.
Key Dates
Nochebuena
Tamales and family dinner.
Navidad
Public holiday.
Tope
The traditional horse parade in San Jose.
Christmas Carols
Silent Night
Noche de PazSung at Costa Rican churches.