Costa Rica is a country that offers a unique cultural experience with its festivals. The nation is famous for its lively and colorful celebrations, which attract both locals and visitors. From music festivals to yoga retreats and sustainability workshops, Costa Rica has a festival for everyone.
Attending a festival in Costa Rica is not only a fun and exciting way to experience the country, but it also offers a range of benefits for those looking to improve their overall wellbeing.
After all, the country that the “Pura Vida” mentality originates from is a world-renowned travel destination, not only for it’s beautiful beaches and plenty of adventurous activities, but also for wellness retreats, yoga teacher training, and holistic healing.
There’s a way to experience a sample of each all in one – by attending a festival in Costa Rica! With a variety of festivals on offer, ranging from music to yoga to sustainability, there’s no better way to explore all that this tropical paradise has to offer.
Festivals in Costa Rica often feature a diverse lineup of musicians and performers from a range of genres. Music has been shown to have a positive impact on mood, reducing stress and promoting feelings of happiness and relaxation. Costa Rica hosts a range of music festivals that showcase both local and international talent. Attending a music festival is an excellent way to experience Costa Rican culture and connect with like-minded individuals.
The rhythm and energy of the music create a sense of unity and belonging, bringing together people from different backgrounds to celebrate life through music. A Music festival in Costa Rica, such as the “Envision Festival”, provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in a vibrant and colorful atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else in the world.
Enjoying live music in a beautiful setting like Costa Rica can be a truly transformative experience. From their favorite performers to sampling new artists, music might be the main reason many choose to attend a festival, and most events are in fact Music Festivals first and foremost. Dance barefoot in the jungle, get lost in the amazing setting from the light show to various artistic performers, live music is the highlight of any festival.
Pictured: Music stage at Ocaso festival, local to our Tamarindo, Guanacaste zone
At Costa Rican festivals, the opportunities for personal growth and exploration are endless. In addition to the vibrant music and cultural celebrations, many festivals offer workshops that are specifically designed to promote wellness, creativity, and personal development. These workshops are led by experts in various fields and cover a wide range of topics, from dance and art therapy to spiritual healing and beyond. By participating in these workshops, attendees can expand their skill sets, connect with like-minded individuals, and explore new perspectives on life. So why not take advantage of all that Costa Rican festivals have to offer and join us for a life-changing adventure?
Pictured: A stunning image of a moment of stillness at a workshop at Envision festival
Most festivals in Costa Rica will include yoga classes, as well as meditation and breathwork, in their offering as it is one of the most popular activities for attendees. It’s a wonderful way to see both local and international teachers, explore various styles of yoga, and bask in the energy of like-minded participants joining in the union that only a festival class can achieve.
Yoga has almost become an essential part of the festival culture, and many festivals offer yoga events that focus on mindfulness, relaxation, and personal growth. These experiences offer an opportunity to connect with nature, focus on inner peace and well-being, and develop a greater sense of mindfulness. There are many international festivals that only focus on yoga, such as Wanderlust festivals and day events, Yoga Expo, Yoga Journal conference, and more. Although they may not have branched out to Costa Rica just yet, you can rest assured every Costa Rican festival will feature a variety of yoga classes and workshops.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, attending a festival that doubles as a yoga retreat, in Costa Rica is a life-changing experience.
Pictured: Matea, Hari Om Founder, playing with handstands after a yoga class at Envision Festival
Attending festivals in Costa Rica provides an opportunity to connect with people from all over the world. Some are searching for adventure, some for love, some want to enjoy with friends and make new ones, while others seek an inner journey. However, oftentimes, they all may be looking for the same thing, a soulful connection.
When all the hippie, alternative, adventurous, spiritual, artistic, and creative souls arrive at the same place with a similar mission, you are guaranteed to find moments of true connection within the human spirit. Many festivals particularly make friendship gatherings, women’s circles, and heart-centered workshops their focus. You are guaranteed to experience moments of special bonding, in yoga classes, during mindful meditations, while dancing to your favorite beat, or during completely unexpected and unscheduled events, which makes for even more special moments.
Human connections are even enhanced in festivals. The warm and welcoming culture of Costa Ricans creates a sense of belonging and connection that is hard to find elsewhere. From making new friends to finding romance, attending a festival in Costa Rica can lead to soulful connections that last a lifetime.
Pictured: Ada, Hari OM Ayurveda specialist, during one such special moment captured at Envision festival
Costa Rica is one of the world’s leading countries in sustainability and environmental conservation. Many festivals in Costa Rica aim to promote environmental consciousness and sustainability, encouraging attendees to take an active role in preserving the planet. From recycling to carbon offsets, Costa Rican festivals provide an opportunity to learn about sustainability and take action toward a greener future.
If you are set on living and traveling sustainably, look into slow travel, as well as how you can participate in activities that promote ecology at your destination. In Costa Rica, you can easily find beach clean-ups, volunteer at sanctuaries, or donate to charitable causes that protect wildlife conservation and more. At festivals, check the schedule for talks on ecology, permaculture, sustainability, wildlife conservation, Marine life protection and living an eco-friendly lifestyle. Talks on reducing your footprint, recycling, reducing meat consumption or going vegan/vegetarian, even certain yoga philosophy workshops, will provide inspiration and valuable insight.
Pictured: Sandy Schmidt, a Hari OM Yoga teacher alumni, and founder of Operation Rich Coast, leading a beach clean-up. Catch her talks on sustainability and conservation at Envision festival 2023
Attending a festival in Costa Rica is a life-changing experience that offers a range of benefits, including exposure to Costa Rican culture, personal growth, and environmental consciousness. From music festivals to yoga retreats and sustainability workshops, Costa Rican festivals provide a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, develop new skills, and broaden one’s perspective.
Seeking inspiration for your next festival experience? Make sure to catch Hari OM Founder Matea at Jungle Dreaming Festival in Jaco, Costa Rica, March 17 – 20th. She will be sharing workshops on “Introduction to Ayurveda”, and “Introduction to Jyotish Vedic Astrology” at the event. We look forward to seeing you there!
Attending Envision festival 2023, or Jungle Dreaming Festival? Extend your stay in Costa Rica, explore the country and continue your mindfulness journey by visiting us at Hari Om.
We are hosting our Ayurveda Fundamentals training & Retreat right after Envision, on March 7 – 13th. Our Signature Yoga & Ayurveda teacher training (200hr & 300hr) is starting April 14th.
