The city of Escazú recently brought traditional Costa Rican culinary heritage into the spotlight with its annual Feria Nacional de la Tapa de Dulce. Held at the Plaza del Boyero in San Antonio de Escazú, the event brought together thousands of locals and visitors to celebrate tapa de dulce—unrefined whole cane sugar processed through traditional trapiches (sugar mills).
The festival featured oxcart tours leading visitors directly to historic sugar mills, live demonstrations of artisanal sugar refining, traditional marimba concerts, and colorful mascaradas accompanied by cimarrona street bands.
Local chefs and artisans showcased innovative sweet and savory dishes featuring the ancestral ingredient, highlighting how historical agricultural practices continue to shape Costa Rica’s contemporary cultural identity.
