Discover Costa Rica's Festive Spirit: Top 8 Unique and Entertaining Christmas Fun Facts

1. Santa the Jockey

Who said Santa didn't ride a horse? Well, in Costa Rica, he might just be a regular jockey, lining up with the rest of the stallion-packed squad: The Tope Nacional de Caballos on December 26th is a grand horse parade featuring dazzling riders from across Costa Rica, flaunting their stunning horses and equestrian prowess, accompanied by the country's artistic side – hand-painted oxcarts from Sarchi. The vibrant event is cherished by Ticos who get to celebrate their rich cultural legacy amidst the holiday fervor.
Source => tripsavvy.com

2. Cypress Christmas Trees

You could say Costa Ricans are quite "sappy" during Christmas: they turn to their native Cypress tree for festive decorations, using its branches for wreaths and other adornments, while some even use it as their Christmas tree. This local greenery icon stands tall, weather-resistant, and insect-free in Tico holiday traditions.
Source => atromitoscr.com

Did you know that in Mexico, a seven-pointed star piñata helps conquer the seven deadly sins during Christmas? Discover how this festive tradition signifies the triumph over vices and showers everyone with candy and toys!

=> Fun Facts about Christmas-In-Mexico

3. Tropical Christmas Cake

When fruitcake just isn't cutting it, Costa Ricans add a little twist of tropical sass and holiday cheer that pours out tastier than spiked eggnog: In Costa Rica, Christmas vibes start as early as November, with homes and businesses setting up "pasitos" or Nativity scenes, and their Christmas cake—moist and mildly sweet—becomes a beloved festive dessert, often enjoyed with afternoon coffee or after Christmas meals, even by kids, thanks to its optional rum content.
Source => puravidamoms.com

4. Nativity Dioramas

Who needs a Christmas tree when you've got an entire tableau of the nativity; lights, camera, (baby) action? In Costa Rica, the yuletide tinsel takes a backseat to something far more elaborate: locals transform their homes into festive dioramas dedicated to the nativity scene, or "portals." Complete with tiers, greenery, sand, and twinkling lights, these displays steal the show every holiday season. The pièce de résistance, Baby Jesus himself, doesn't make an appearance until the big day, starring in the ultimate Christmas Day cameo.
Source => letstravelcostarica.com

5. Tamale Mania

In Costa Rica, the only thing that could be better than Christmas tamales is...well, more Christmas tamales: These festive bites are made with cornmeal dough and stuffed with a medley of seasoned meat, rice, potatoes, raisins, chickpeas, and green olives, all wrapped up in a cozy banana leaf blanket. During December, they're so popular that even restaurants offer them to pair with coffee, and families often cook up massive batches to spread love, laughter, and perhaps a touch of indigestion. Oh, and fear not – whether you're Team Pork, Team Chicken, or Team Beef, there's a tamale for you.
Source => outwardboundcostarica.org

6. Tamale-Making Laughter

If laughter is the best medicine, then call Costa Ricans master chefs at dishing out delicious doses during Christmas time: Families gather, tamales are made from scratch, and the holiday season turns into a steamy, laughter-filled tamale-making marathon that tantalizes taste buds all the way into the New Year.
Source => ticotimes.net

7. Fruity Christmas Stars

Who needs a green, spiky sidekick when you can have a fragrant, fruity star at your Christmas party? Cypress trees take center stage in a Costa Rican Christmas: Instead of traditional pine trees, Costa Ricans opt for cypress trees adorned with nativity figures, flowers, and fruit as holiday decorations. Decking the halls and homes with wreaths and lights is also customary in this tropical paradise.
Source => thelatinamericatravelcompany.com

8. Ho-Ho-Horticulture

When Costa Ricans deck the halls, they don't just stop at fa-la-la-la-la: they go full ho-ho-ho-horticulture! Bursting with vibrant tropical flowers, cypress branch wreaths adorned with red coffee berries, and ribbons galore, Costa Rican Christmas décor takes holly jolly to the next level. And to top it off, most Costa Rican families craft intricate nativity scenes, or pasitos, featuring not only the classic cast of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, but an entire ensemble of houses, animals, and heartfelt offerings like fresh fruit and toys.
Source => trafalgar.com