Costa Rica has a unique cultural spectacle today - the celebration of the “Dia de la Mascarada”. The Costa Rican mascarada, or "masquerade," is a vibrant tradition that comes to life as a lively parade featuring a group of participants donning costumes and large masks, disguising themselves as famous figures, legends, politicians, and a host of other iconic characters. Adding to the charm of this procession is the presence of a lively band called “cimarronas” that fills the air with tunes from wind instruments and percussions.
As the masked members of the parade gracefully dance their way through the streets, they engage with the audience to create enthusiastic cheers and dancing.
The mascarada is a magnificent display of Costa Rica's rich cultural heritage. Mascaradas are not only enjoyed on October 31st. They liven up parties throughout the country during the year, adding a special flair to festivities such as patron saint festivals, cultural events, and even private events like weddings.
The mascarada tradition began with the indigenous communities who began to make masks depicting animals or nature spirits for different purposes, including to scare away Spanish settlers. During the colonial era, the tradition was absorbed by the population who began to make masks for celebrations. '
By the 1800s, the province of Cartago formalized the masquerade as Costa Rica knows it today, during the celebrations in honor of the Virgin of Los Angeles, patron saint of Costa Rica. In the 1900s, this tradition began to be replicated in San José at the Zapote festivities, and by the 1970s, they could be seen at festivals throughout Costa Rica, from Guanacaste, to the South of the country.
Since the 1980s mask making craftsmanship has experienced a renaissance as the people of Boruca are re-discovering themselves and channeling their creative energy to reclaim their traditions. There are towns in Costa Rica such as Escazu, Barva de Heredia, Grecia, and Tres Ríos where there is a tradition of building these artifacts.
While the global prevalence of Halloween has sometimes overshadowed the tradition of mascaradas, it continues in Costa Rica. In these vibrant celebrations, the stirring notes of the "cimarrona" announce the arrival of iconic characters like giants, witches, and devils, breathing life into the streets. These classic masks stand side by side with newer, contemporary figures that reflect the times, such as the Joker, show in Las Catalinas in the image above. Some are inventive creations, while others pay homage to Costa Rican figures.
The profound connection to this tradition is what led to the designation of October 31st as the "National Day of the Traditional Costa Rican Mascarada." This special day serves as a tribute to the cultural heritage that has enriched the lives of Costa Ricans for generations and continues to do so