Another cultural activity expats can enjoy in Costa Rica

Every weekend there is a whole gamut of activities that both those who relocate here and ticos of all ages can enjoy. One such event is the annual Festival Gastronómico La Luz (La Luz Food Fair) in San José’s Barrio Escalante. Fifteen restaurants offering a variety of different cuisine will be participating. A number of these dining establishments will feature Costa Rican dishes made with local ingredients of with some being organic.

In addition to the fare offered by the participating restaurants, food trucks are selling a variety of dishes at a nearby park.

Besides the culinary activities, there will be a parade featuring giant paper mache heads and traditional cimarrona music. There will also be mimes, circus performers and acrobats, jugglers, art workshops, and face painting and games for children. Artisans will be displaying and selling a variety of handicrafts at different stands located around the neighborhood.

Kurt Dyer, Mustang65, Black Beat, Leche de Coco, Chillax, and Salaberry Tango Trío are just a few of the country’s musical groups who will be giving a concert as part of the festivities.

At one time Bario Escalante was an exclusive neighborhood where many of the city’s wealthy families lived. But in the In recent years it has been transformed into the city’s culinary epicenter with restaurants and craft breweries dotting the streets. Many of the stately homes built by the former upper-class residents have been converted into beautiful restaurants.