The main event is the “tope” which is a Costa Rican tradition, where the best horses in the country, trained in prancing techniques parade through the streets.
Also the event features carnival-style rides for the kids and adults, as well as traditional foods like corn tortillas with sour cream and “chicharrones”, chunks of pig skin, fat and meat boiled in melted porcine grease. Definitely heart attack food but truly amazing! The main event is the Costa Rican style rodeo, which takes place in a “slap and dash” circular ring.
People, both foreign and domestic stroll through the festivities, enjoying the crowd with beer in hand. That makes for a nice, relaxing evening. Although the Costa Rican law has been changed recently to prohibit the consumption of alcohol in public places (bring back the old days!), there is a new law that still allows fermented beverages within the limits of traditional town events. So drink up and don’t worry. As a matter of fact, the heavy police presence definitely kept any malicious intentions away.
One of the best surprises of the weekend was the environment, food and prices at a small bar/restaurant called Wahoo’s. They have a happy hour menu that is wonderful; fresh, tasty and inexpensive – Fish Tacos with chunks of mahi-mahi for just $2 each! Wahoo’s is a local favorite; check it out next time you are in Jaco.
This year’s event has attracted thousands of people from all over Costa Rica and with the fantastic Central Pacific weather; the Annual Jaco Costa Rica Fiestas has been a great success!
Tai Muñoz
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose Costa Rica
