La Semana Santa en Costa Rica

Last week was a popular holiday in Mal Pais, and no, I am not talking about Spring Break. It was La Semana Santa, or Holy Week. Many Ticos (Costa Rican locals) migrated to the beautiful beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula to celebrate the religious festivites not by performing rituals and/or prayer, but drinking heavily in tents along the shore, says my Costa Rican friends.

Many Costa Rican residents who are originally from the United States are eager for the holiday to pass as quickly as possible. The traffic is horrific during Holy Week and the beaches are left covered with trash by careless individuals.

Ticos and fellow residents stock up on alcohol prior to the holiday because it is not sold at many places during this seven day time span.

While many migrate to the beaches of Playa Carmen, Santa Teresa and Mal Pais some stay home and celebrate with family and friends to avoid the chaos of traveling. During Holy Week, which is also known as Easter Week, a majority of public transportation is shut down.

When me and my freinds were leaving San Jose Friday to return to the States, on our way to the airport their was no traffic because all public transportation was closed for the day.

The shuttle from the hotel was one of the few vehicles on the road.

We were lucky to not come across any problems with travel. Before planning our trip we did not consider La Semana Santa in which basically all modes of transportation are halted Thursday through Monday.

One thing is for sure though, now that Monday has come many coastal residents of Nicoya Peninsula will be relieved that the holiday is over and the celebration has ended. Now their beautiful beach towns will return to tranquil and peaceful villages.