Easter Week in Costa Rica

Easter in Costa Rica is not just a Sunday holiday. Costa Ricans begin to celebrate Easter on the Wednesday before Easter Sunday. The holiday is marked with parades re-enacting the crucifixion of Jesus and his historic walk thru Jerusalem to his death, attending mass, special prayer services and family time.  Traditionally from Wednesday until Sunday elaborate meals are not cooked nor prepared and so easily prepared meals, seafood and empanadas are the traditional fare. 

For many Ticos, Easter is also a time for family vacations and many Ticos head to the beach. The beaches become crowded and the cities are abandoned. 

Another interesting tid-bit is that it is illegal to buy or sell beer or liquor from midnight Wednesday until midnight Friday. So many Costa Ricans stock up on beer and liquor before the big holiday and actually, more alcohol is sold in Costa Rica during this week prior to the dry days than any other week of the year. 

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