Q COSTARICA — This year, Semana Santa or Holy Week in Costa Rica will be celebrated from Sunday, March 29th to Sunday, April 5th.
This time of year is one of the most important times for the country’s tourism and Christian religious customs, deeply rooted in Costa Rica’s national calendar, marked by a mass exodus of people leaving the cities to head toward the coasts and mountain retreats.
The week kicks off with Palm Sunday, where locals carry woven palm fronds to church, commemorating Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem. Throughout the week, you’ll witness processions that snake through towns and cities, featuring participants dressed as biblical characters, carrying statues and reenacting scenes from Christ’s passion. These events are not just performances; they are heartfelt expressions of faith passed down through generations.
In addition to the religious observances, Semana Santa is also a time for families to gather. Many take advantage of the public holidays to travel, often heading to the coast or the mountains. Beaches fill up with locals and tourists alike, mixing relaxation with the spiritual spirit of the week.
Vehicular restrictions of San José
Due to the drastic reduction in traffic by the absence of schoolchildren and public sector workers, traffic authorities announced the suspension of the vehicle restrictions in San José throughout Semana Santa (Holy Week).
At the same time, authorities will reinforce roadside checkpoints and patrols of vacation areas to try to mitigate traffic accidents.
The measure will apply specifically during the five days of Semana Santa, from Monday, March 30, to Friday, April 3. The restrictions will resume on Monday, April 6, during its usual hours of 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., for license plates ending in 1 or 2.
The Director of the Policia de Transito (Traffic Police), Martín Sánchez Agüero, explained that maintaining the restrictions under these conditions is unnecessary, since the regulated area—which includes the Circunvalación (except for the northern section) and the internal roads within that perimeter—experiences a considerable drop in traffic.
“The closure of public offices and the mass exodus of people to vacation destinations make it pointless to maintain the measure. Rather, this allows us to redirect human resources to reinforce surveillance on national highways and on routes into and out of the Central Valley,” the official stated.
Sánchez also noted that this operational reorganization will facilitate the handling of special operations related to religious activities during Semana Santa, when pedestrian traffic and the need for traffic control typically increase.
Key Dates and Holidays for Semana Santa
According to the Ministry of Labor (MTSS), only two days are mandatory paid holidays in 2026:
- April 2: Holy Thursday (Mandatory paid holiday).
- April 3: Good Friday (Mandatory paid holiday).
It is important to note that April 11 (Juan Santamaría Day) is also a mandatory paid holiday and falls on the Saturday following Semana Santa.
Traditions and Gastronomy
- Religious celebrations are the heart of the week. Cities such as Cartago, San José, Heredia, and Alajuela hold solemn processions that reenact the Passion of Christ, highlighting the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.
- It is traditional to consume dishes made with chiverre (in honey, empanadas, or cajetas) and fish to avoid red meat. Seafood dishes like shrimp rice and ceviche are very popular.
- Although the restriction on alcohol sales (Dry Law) has decreased in recent years, some municipalities may still enforce it, especially on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
Impact on Travel and Services
If you plan to travel during these dates, consider the following recommendations:
- High hotel occupancy is expected, with increased demand in Guanacaste and nature destinations. Book in advance
- Major roads to the Pacific, i.e., Ruta 27, Ruta 34, and Ruta 32 to the Caribbean coasts experience extreme congestion, especially starting on Wednesday and on the return journey on Sunday
- Banks and government offices usually close from Wednesday at noon until the following Monday.
- Small businesses and professional offices, i.e., doctors, dentists, lawyers, may close the entire week. Call ahead to
- Public transport schedules are usually affected on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.