Palmares, Alajuela · January 14 to 25, 2027
Fiestas Palmares
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Fiestas Palmares
When is Fiestas Palmares 2027?
Fiestas Palmares 2027 runs January 14 to 25, 2027.
2027January 14 to 25, 2027Confirmed
How the dates are set: The party starts on a Thursday in mid-January and runs about twelve days; the organizers announce each year's dates.
See every event in January 2027
Source: facebook.com
Fiestas Palmares schedule
- Wednesday (eve): The fairground lights are turned on in the afternoon and a lantern parade is held.
- Thursday midday: The Gran Tope, a horse parade with prizes, leaves from Palmares' main avenue and ends at nightfall.
- Friday afternoon: The Carnaval, with bands from municipalities across the country, comparsas and dance groups.
- Saturday night: The Festival Ranchero, a ranchera music contest.
- Sunday: The big day: the Concierto Internacional Imperial, a riding championship, and toros a la tica in the afternoon.
- Monday afternoon: The fiestas end with toros a la tica and a fireworks show.
Source: cuandopasa.com
Getting to Fiestas Palmares
- Palmares sits between Alajuela and San Ramon, west of the capital. From Juan Santamaria International Airport, take a bus or rent a car for an hour-long trip to Palmares.
Source: travelbeginsat40.com
Tickets and cost
It is free to attend, though some activities and concerts may require tickets. Bigger international stars play La Barra Imperial, where past ticket prices ranged from 10,000 to 37,000 colones depending on the artist.
Source: maximonivel.com
History of Fiestas Palmares
The festival dates back to the 1950s, when it began as a modest celebration organized by local farmers. It grew into a national event that draws over a million visitors.
Source: travelbeginsat40.com
Fiestas Palmares: questions people ask
When are the Fiestas Palmares 2027?
The Fiestas Palmares 2027 run from January 14 to 25, 2027.
Where are the Fiestas Palmares held?
They are held in Palmares, between Alajuela and San Ramon, west of San Jose.
What is the Tope in Palmares?
The Tope is a horse parade where riders from across the country show off their horses, hats and stunts. It is part of the opening celebrations.
Are the Fiestas Palmares free?
Entry is free, but some activities and concerts may require tickets.
What time do the bullfights start at Fiestas Palmares?
The toros a la tica run through the festival, starting at 3 pm each day.
Sources: facebook.com, travelbeginsat40.com, maximonivel.com
About Fiestas Palmares
Costa Rica's biggest January party: the horse parade, carnival, concerts and Costa Rican-style bullfights.
Fiestas Palmares turns the town of Palmares, between Alajuela and San Ramon, into a street fair for about two weeks each January. The Tope, a huge horse parade, opens the party, and a carnival, concerts, fireworks and "toros a la tica" follow. Over a million people attend. Entry is free, though some concerts are ticketed.
Know before you go
- Entry is free, but some concerts need a ticket.
- Bullfights run every day from 3 pm.
- From San Jose's Juan Santamaria airport (SJO), a bus or rental car reaches Palmares in about an hour.
Planning the trip
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