CALENDAR - SEPTEMBER 2008 - FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS+ IN COSTA RICA

COSTA RICA HAPPENINS' / CALENDAR
FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, SEMINARS, EVENTS +

SEPTEMBER 2008

1 Starts the procession of the re-enactment of the carrying of THE TORCH OF LIBERTY (celebrating Independence Day Sept. 15) from Guatemala to Costa Rica.


FESTIVAL MARINA - PLAYA HERMOSA - SANDCASTLE MAKING and water events.


1 - (1st Monday [except January and July]) - The Little Theatre Group of Costa Rica MONTHLY SOCIAL MEETING / OPEN HOUSE at the Shakespeare Bar downstairs at the Teatro Laurence Olivier. HOURS: 7-9pm. http://www.LittleTheatreGroup.org


1 - U.S. LABOR DAY - U.S. Embassy Closed


2 (1st Tues. of each month) - 9:39am Coffee/Tea Social, 10am Meeting - NEWCOMERS MONTHLY MEETING - 249-2673 / CasaFloraDora1@yahoo.com


5 (the 1st Fri. of month) - An informal LUNCH GATHERING FOR MEMBERS & FRIENDS/FAMILY OF COSTA RICA LIVING MESSAGE BOARD (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CostaRicaLiving) with ARCR's (http://www.ARCR.net) Ryan Piercy. They're usually at Las Mazitas Mexican Restaurant (located diagonally across from Banco Costa Rica on Calle 40, just North of Paseo Colon. This is 3 1/2 blocks directly down the street - north - from the ARCR office.) Check the board for the latest info or contact Allen Dickinson at humphree@bellsouth.net


5-7 - DIA DEL NINO / DAY OF THE CHILD (actually Fri., Sat., Sun) - Not a “holiday” but a time to celebrate/honor kids!! Fri. the kids mark the day with special activities at school. Sat. kids receive small presents and LOTS of candy and other treats. The Museo Nacional (National Museum) will have a day filled with art, cultural diversity and happiness of youngsters. Of course there will be clowns and several theatrical and puppet presentations. Sun. the Museo Nacional (National Museum) has a special program. If you’re visiting during this time – you might want to bring a BUNCH of SMALL gifts to gift to kids you meet or those of your maid or new friends. If you live here – it’s most appropriate to give gifts to your staffs kids.


13-17, ’06 - FERIA DE LA CULTURA POPULAR TRADICIONAL CARTAGINESA – CARTAGO – at Casa de la Ciudad of the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica.


13 - Noon-ish - THE TORCH OF LIBERTY ARRIVES INTO COSTA RICA (Peñas Blancas) from Nicaragua.


14 - 6pm - STUDENT RUNNERS CARRY THE "FREEDOM TORCH” FROM GUATEMALA TO COSTA RICA. The torch (“Atorcha de Independencia”) arrives at the colonial capital of Cartago precisely at 6pm on the 14th, and everyone nationwide STOPS what they are doing and sing the National Anthem. School kids parade around carrying nocturnal homemade-lantern (“farols” – quite beautiful).


15 - INDEPENDENCE DAY: It was the night of Sept. 14, 1821, under the lights of lanterns and torches that the citizens of Guatemala City drafted and approved the act of independence from Spain. The news reached Costa Rica later — over much the same route being taken by the torch today. Runners with the torch will pass through San José on Avenida 2 Wednesday night en route to Cartago where a larger flame will be ignited. This gigantic relay race encompasses the entire Central America isthmus! Uniformed school children parades – often a night (the main theme – the torch), marching bands, parties and celebrations. BIG TIME here (and for WEEKS leading up to it) – Drummer play-offs!!! Most things are still open. LEGAL HOLIDAY.* U.S. Embassy Closed


15 - VUELTA DE LA SOLEDAD - A 75km Mountain Bike Endurance Race. LOCATION: In the Samara area.


15 – 6pm - DESAMPARADOS PARADE and FIREWORKS


20 (3rd Sat. in Sept.) - INTERNATIONAL BEACH CLEAN-UP DAY. This is a good excuse to chip in and help clean up the beleaguered shoreline of your favorite beach.


23-25 - OROSI TOURIST EXPO/FAIR - Orosi, Cartago


25-26 (last Thurs. and Fri. of each month) - ARCR LIVING IN COSTA RICA SEMINAR for people considering moving to Costa Rica (233-8068 / 221-2053 / seminar@CasaCanada.net / http://www.ARCR.net) (to me this is a MUST!!! COST: Non-Members: $50 (if you join, $25 will be deducted from the membership fee). Members: $25 (includes lunch/coffee breaks)


26-28 - OROSI COLONIAL TOURISM EXPO/FAIR - Orosi, Cartago


29 (Sun.) - FIESTAS PATRONALES - DAY OF THE ARCHANGLES SAN MIGUEL/MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND SAN RAFAEL.


29 (Sun.) - FESTIVAL - DESAMPARADOS



@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@



(make sure to check "ON-GOING / DAILY / WEEKLY EVENTS AROUND COSTA RICA" at


@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@


Like life in Costa Rica (and around the world especially these days!!), things are CONSTANTLY changing, details aren't available, some info is from previous years so dates change, etc.

This is list BY FAR NOT a complete list and it will be updated regularly with other events, seminars and more details so check back regularly!!


HAVE ANY OTHER EVENTS, SEMINARS, DETAILS TO ADD/CHANGE?
PLEASE e-mail us at CostaRicaEventsCalendar@gmail.com (the more details, the easier it is for folks to go!!)


@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

ENJOY!!

Vicki Skinner at
The Fountains Guesthouse in Escazu - http://www.FountainsGuesthouse.com - (506) 378-6679 / From the U.S. - 1-619-819-2726