by Pastor Giselle

Hello from Costa Rica! A very special time of the year has arrived, one that mixes sunny days with moments of reflection: Semana Santa, known globally as Holy Week.

The Rest

You may have heard that Costa Rica is famous for its spectacular beaches and forests, and it's true! Many Ticos—what we Costa Ricans call ourselves—take advantage of these days off for a little getaway and to enjoy the nature that surrounds us.

But even though rest calls us, religious tradition continues to play a role in our celebrations.

The Processions

If you walk around any town or city, especially on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, you are likely to come across something really typical of these dates: the processions. It is like a live representation of what happened with Jesus. For many it is a moment of prayer and reflection in community.

The Food

Now, if there is one thing that defines Costa Rican Holy Week as much as the processions, it is the food! These days are the perfect excuse for families to get together. And when Ticos get together, food is the star. But during these days, there are two main protagonists: fish and desserts

The tradition, especially on Good Friday, is to avoid red meat. So instead the kitchens are filled with the aroma of the sea. What to eat? A little bit of everything!

A classic that never fails is fried whole fish, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, accompanied by rice, beans and patacones (fried and mashed green plantains).
Many homes prepare rice with seafood called arroz guacho which is a kind of rice stew full of flavor.
Also very popular is fish or seafood soup, because as the Ticos always says fight fire with fire. For these hot celebrations there’s nothing like a good soup! But if you do not believe in that then a fresh and acidic ceviche will be perfect for you.

The Pinnacle Flavor

But if there is one flavor that screams Semana Santa in Costa Rica, it is the chiverre.

Chiverre is a kind of large pumpkin, with fibrous pulp that is slowly cooked with tapa de dulce—a type of unrefined brown sugar—and spices until it becomes a sweet and delicious honey! This honey is used as a filling for baked empanadas that are a real treat or as an accompaniment to rice pudding. Making and sharing these recipes is almost a family ritual.

The Traditions

These meals are not just to fill the stomach. They create moments to share stories, to laugh, and to strengthen family ties. The kitchen becomes the heart of the home, a place where grandmother's recipes are passed down from generation to generation and where the simple act of eating together becomes a celebration of togetherness.

After days of reflection and culinary traditions, Easter Sunday arrives! Both Catholic and Evangelical churches commemorate with messages of hope, celebrating the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. You can hear joyful songs all around. Many churches also celebrate the Holy Supper (Eucharist, communion) on this day, remembering the last supper of Jesus with his disciples. It is a very important symbolic moment; a way to feel part of that history and renew your spiritual commitment.

Although some people take the opportunity to rest, meet with family, cook, or travel during Semana Santa, many believers do not miss the opportunity to celebrate their faith on Easter Sunday.

Pura Vida

Holy Week in Costa Rica is a unique blend of faith, delicious traditions, unforgettable family moments, and the contagious joy of the “pura vida” spirit! We hope you can celebrate with us one day!