October 31 is one of the most anticipated dates of the year in Las Catalinas, for residents, visitors, and neighbors from nearby communities alike. Over the years, Halloween in Town has become something people plan around, and this past Saturday was no exception.
The day began early with a fantastic Trick or Trail morning run alongside Onda Move Club at 6:30 am. By 2 pm, the sun was still shining bright, decorations were up across Town, and you could already feel a festive afternoon starting to take shape.
Before anything typically Halloween, the first sound of the afternoon was a drumroll. With it came the cimarrona, a lively band of brass and drums that set the pace for the dancing mascaradas. In Costa Rica, October 31 is also the Día de la Mascarada Tradicional Costarricense, and it felt important to begin by honoring a tradition so essential to Costa Rican culture. Mascaradas are oversized handcrafted masks worn by dancers who bring traditional characters to life, and in 2022 the mascarada was declared a national symbol of Costa Rica. By the time the cimarrona and mascaradas began dancing their way through Plaza Mercado, it was 4 pm, and Halloween in Town had officially begun.
At the same hour, the carnival rides and games started running, and they were full from the very first minute. Kids ran from one attraction to the next with their parents trailing close behind, and the plaza filled with laughter. Nearby, Pintacafé set up a ceramic painting station that was busy all afternoon with children and their parents, who enjoyed a more relaxed moment together, brushes in hand, filling their pieces with color and creativity.
A little later, children began racing through the streets with even more excitement, which could only mean one thing: trick-or-treating had begun. Little ones with their parents and groups of friends in costume made their way through Town, stopping at every house and business with a small ghost hanging by the door, the sign that candy was waiting inside. Owners and neighbors were out on their doorsteps handing out treats, and as they do every year, the Central Offices and the Sales Office were among the stops, with candy ready for every trick-or-treater who came by.
Trick-or-treating hours are always the most joyful of the night. Every street and plaza fills with children running, laughing, and calling out “Trick or treat!” It is also when the sun begins to set and Town turns a warm shade of gold. From any corner, the view fills you with a happiness that is hard to place, whether it comes from the light itself or from seeing so many people around you having a wonderful time.
Every Halloween brings its own favorites, and this year a few characters stole the show. Cows, dinosaurs, princesses, austronauts and many movie characters made their way through the streets.
Some of the most memorable costumes came from some of the most familiar faces in Town. Paola and Estefanía from La Estancia dressed as a chicken and a horse, a fitting choice for the team behind our farm animals and horseback rides, and had everyone laughing as they made their way through Town. Pura Vida Tennis coaches Steff and Alex also paid us a visit as Mario and Princess Peach, a pair that was hard to miss.
As the sun went down, a live DJ took over Plaza Mercado, and families and visitors filled the restaurants. Tamaki, Pots and Bowls, Pascual, Papagayo, Coquelicot, and Agua de Pipa, along with Celeste, Pura Vida Ride, and Ponciana in Plaza Danta, were all lively and full.
The haunted house was a hit, with music, eerie scenes, and actors waiting around every turn to give guests a scare. Teenagers, kids, and parents went through together, screaming, laughing, and mostly having a great time side by side.
At 8 pm, many families made their way to The Conservatory at Hotel Santarena for a screening of Hotel Transylvania. The Athletics and Activities team coordinated the evening and handed out popcorn to the kids, a cozy and fun way to close such a full day.
All in all, it was an amazing night. Every year it means so much to see Town this full of joy, and this year was just as special. Thank you to every team member and collaborator who helped make this celebration possible, and to every resident and visitor who joined us and filled Las Catalinas with smiles and incredible costumes.