Day of Masquerade – Costa Rica’s Halloween
People all over the world prepare for Halloween by dreaming up elaborate scary costumes and stocking up on ginormous pumpkins. Ticos, on the other hand, start putting gin their orders for oversized masks, in anticipation of the Day of Masquerade.
The Dia de la Mascarada (Day of Masquerade) held on Halloween is a relatively recent tradition in Costa Rica, one which has picked up momentum in the last few years. Although celebrating Halloween the ‘traditional’ way (ie. US-style) has certainly increased in popularity among young locals, the tradition of Masquerading is making a resurgence. You may not see local kids door knocking and trick-or-treating on October 31, but that certainly doesn’t mean you won’t be privy to a host of festivities. Traveling to Costa Rica for Halloween is actually a fantastic idea as you can partake in one of the most boisterous Costa Rica festivities of the year.
How the Day of Masquerade Began
The Day of Masquerade is a tradition which stems from Carnival, a costumed ‘fiesta’ which was imported by the Spanish when they hit the Central American shores. Masked parades are very popular in the country and held several times a year, although the tradition was swiftly fading, especially among the youngest generation.
The roots of the masquerade go back even further than most visitors realize. The very first organized masquerade in Costa Rica took place on August 2, 1824, in Cartago. A local artisan and mask craftsman named Rafael Lito Valerin organized that inaugural event to honor the celebration of the Virgin of the Angels, the Patroness of Costa Rica, affectionately known as La Negrita by Costa Rican natives.
According to historical accounts, Valerin was rummaging through old trunks inside the church of the Virgin of the Angels when he discovered large masks of Spanish origin. Taking this discovery as a sign, he crafted a wooden frame from those masks, effectively giving birth to the masquerade tradition as Costa Ricans know it today.
Through the 1800s, Cartago continued to formalize the masquerade during celebrations in honor of the Virgin. By the 1900s, the tradition spread to San Jose at the Zapote festivities, and by the 1970s, masquerades could be seen at practically any festival throughout the country, from Guanacaste in the north to the southern regions.
It was only two decades ago that a deliberate attempt to bring back a passion for the parades, and reaffirm the importance of mask-making skills, was made.
On October 31, 1996, the Day of Masquerade was officially proclaimed by the Aqueserri Culture committee. To mark the occasion, local artisans created traditional masquerades and paraded them along the main roads of the Josefino Canton.
Interestingly enough, pre-Columbian tribes had their own masked and costumed rituals, and in Costa Rica nowadays the parades are a gorgeous mix of both ancient and contemporary traditions.
In 2022, the tradition received its highest official recognition yet. On April 21, 2022, the traditional Costa Rican masquerade was declared the country’s 17th national symbol, cementing its place as a core pillar of Costa Rican cultural identity.
Mask making – a traditional and revered craft
The Day of Masquerade is celebrated all over Costa Rica, however, the three cities with the largest celebrations are Cartago, Escazu, and Barva de Heredia. This has to do with the actual craft-making skills of locals: it is in these three towns that the best mask makers in Costa Rica are found. Other towns well known for their mask-making heritage include Grecia in Alajuela and Tres Rios in Cartago.
Unlike what the name suggests, Costa Rican masks are not merely masks: they are oversized paper mache heads depicting prominent characters from politics, mythology (devils and animals are popular), and even sports and film.
How a Traditional Mask is Made
The making of a single mask is a time-consuming and tedious affair:
- Clay Mold — The process begins with a hand-made mold crafted entirely from clay
- Drying Period — The mold is left to dry for approximately one week
- Paper Layering — The mold is then meticulously covered with strips of newspaper attached using a glue made from flour and water
- 15 Layers Applied — This layering process continues until fifteen full layers of paper mache have been added
- Mold Removal — Once dried, the clay mold is removed, leaving a perfectly shaped paper mache face
- Painting and Detailing — Exaggerated expressions and colorful features are added to the finished form
- Final Drying — The completed mask can take up to one month to dry fully before it is parade-ready
- Mounting — On the day itself, the mask is placed onto a frame and dropped onto the shoulders of a parade participant who is expected to dance throughout the entire event
The Three Types of Masquerade Figures
| Type | Local Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Giants | Gigantes | The largest figures, reaching up to 3 meters in height; a full body structure supports the head while the suit hides the person inside |
| Big Heads | Cabezones | Full-head masks that are smaller than the giants; typically represent famous people, legends, or folkloric ghosts |
| Masks | Mascaras | The smallest variety, usually covering only the head or the front of the face |
The Costa Rican masks are as exaggerated in their expression as they are in size. Some can be comical while others are downright grotesque. La Giganta, a popular giant lady mask, symbolizes the opulent ladies of the Colonial era in Costa Rica.
As the masked participants of the parades meander down the main streets, they dance to the rhythm of local folkloric music. The tunes are played by so-called Cimarronas, whose skills are particularly revered. The Spanish word for wild is cimarrón, and these performers live up to their name.
Cimarrona band members are self-taught. There are no scores to read, so each must learn entirely by ear. This musical part of the Day of the Masquerade is one of the oldest traditions in Costa Rica and one of the most protected by the Ministry of Culture.
The Legendary Characters of the Masquerade
One of the most captivating aspects of the Day of Masquerade is the cast of characters that take to the streets. These are not random or generic costumes. Each figure carries a story, a legend, or a piece of Costa Rican history on its oversized shoulders.
La Giganta (The Giantess)
Perhaps the most recognizable figure in any parade, La Giganta represents the grand, opulent women of the Colonial era. Her exaggerated features and towering size make her an unmistakable presence wherever the parade passes.
El Diablillo (The Little Devil)
El Diablillo is one of the crowd’s favorite characters, known for darting toward unsuspecting spectators, bobbing and weaving at them along the parade route. Spectators are not simply onlookers at this festival but active participants, as masked figures playfully chase people through the streets.
El Cura sin Cabeza (The Headless Priest)
Rooted in dark local legend from Cartago, this priest is said to roam the earth in eternal misery as punishment for killing his own brother in pursuit of his brother’s wife.
La Segua
One of the most haunting characters in all of Costa Rican folklore, La Segua appears as a beautiful woman who is transforming into a dead horse as punishment for the unfaithfulness of her husband. Spotting La Segua in the parade is considered both thrilling and deeply unsettling.
La Bruja de Escazu (The Witch of Escazu)
Local lore says the Witch of Escazu lives hidden in the surrounding hills of the city. On the Day of Masquerade, however, the hook-nosed mascot of Escazu proudly takes to the streets.
La Llorona (The Weeping Woman)
Known throughout Latin America, La Llorona also appears in Costa Rican masquerades, representing the espantos (ghosts) of local legend.
El Gigante (The Giant)
The male counterpart to La Giganta, the Giant and Giantess appear together as an iconic couple whose larger-than-life presence anchors many parade processions.
La Calavera (The Skull)
La Calavera represents the intersection between the Day of Masquerade and the broader Latin American traditions surrounding the Day of the Dead, which falls on November 2, just two days after the masquerade celebrations.
Masquerade Day vs. Halloween: A Cultural Comparison
For travelers visiting Costa Rica from the United States, understanding the difference between the two celebrations that share October 31 helps to set expectations and significantly enrich the experience.
| Feature | Halloween (USA) | Dia de la Mascarada (Costa Rica) |
|---|---|---|
| Date | October 31 | October 31 |
| Primary focus | Candy, scares, costumes | Cultural heritage, folkloric art |
| Trick-or-treating | Widespread | Not common |
| Costumes | Commercial, themed | Handcrafted paper mache masks |
| Music | Background/themed playlists | Live Cimarrona bands |
| Characters | Pop culture, horror icons | Indigenous legends, colonial figures |
| Commercial element | Very high | Minimal |
| Spectator involvement | Low | High (crowds are chased and engaged) |
| National symbol status | No | Yes, declared in 2022 |
The Day of Masquerade also aligns beautifully with Costa Rica’s broader values around sustainable tourism, where cultural preservation and community participation take precedence over commercialization.
Weather is also worth noting for those planning a visit. October in Costa Rica falls during the rainy season, so outdoor events can occasionally shift indoors or get rescheduled. Checking local community pages and forecasts closer to the date is always a practical step.
Some local businesses do host Halloween parties in the American style, particularly in urban areas like San Jose. The cultural emphasis, however, remains firmly on the masquerades.
Where to Experience the Best Masquerade Day Celebrations
Cartago
As the birthplace of the organized masquerade tradition dating back to 1824, Cartago holds one of the most historically significant celebrations in the country. The connection to the Virgin of the Angels adds a layer of spiritual and cultural depth that no other city can replicate. Many visitors pair the Cartago celebrations with hiking through the surrounding highland trails in the days before October 31.
Escazu
Home to the legendary Witch of Escazu, this city leans fully into its folkloric identity during the Day of Masquerade. The parade here is known for its enthusiasm and the exceptional quality of locally crafted masks.
Barva de Heredia
Barva is widely regarded as one of the premier mask-making towns in all of Costa Rica. The artisans here have kept the craft alive for generations, and the local celebration reflects that deep-rooted community pride.
San Jose
The capital also comes alive on October 31, with celebrations in the city center and surrounding neighborhoods offering a more accessible option for travelers staying in the metropolitan area.
Travelers staying in or near the capital have access to a wide range of Costa Rica hotels that place them within easy reach of all the city center celebrations.
Worth knowing: The masquerades are not exclusively an October 31 event. Throughout the year, mascaradas liven up patron saint festivities, cultural events, and even private celebrations across Costa Rica. From Guanacaste in the north to the southern regions, the tradition travels wherever there is a reason to celebrate.
Tips for Travelers Wanting to Participate
- Learn before going — Understanding the cultural weight of the Day of Masquerade before attending makes the experience significantly more rewarding. This is not a tourist performance staged for visitors; it is an authentic, living tradition Costa Ricans hold with genuine pride
- Dress festively — Tourists are not expected to wear a traditional masquerade costume, but wearing something colorful or festive is always welcomed by locals
- Embrace being chased — Masked figures will approach, bob toward, and playfully pursue bystanders along the route. This is entirely part of the tradition and is always done in good spirit
- Try the street food — Traditional Costa Rican foods are available throughout the celebrations and are very much part of the full experience
- Bring a camera — The colors, the scale of the masks, and the energy of the crowds make for extraordinary photographs
- Visit a workshop beforehand — For those interested in the craft, visiting a mask-making workshop in Escazu, Barva, or Cartago in the days leading up to October 31 offers a behind-the-scenes look at an art form that takes months of preparation
- Check local schedules — October is rainy season in Costa Rica, so confirming event times and locations through local community pages or your tour operator is always advisable
The best way to experience October 31 without logistical stress is to book through a specialist; Costa Rica adventure vacations that include the Masquerade Day as a scheduled cultural stop take the guesswork entirely out of planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Day of Masquerade in Costa Rica?
The Day of Masquerade, known in Spanish as Dia de la Mascarada Tradicional Costarricense, is Costa Rica’s national cultural celebration held every October 31. It features colorful parades of oversized paper mache masks representing folkloric characters, legends, political figures, and mythological creatures, accompanied by Cimarrona bands playing traditional music.
When was the Day of Masquerade officially established?
October 31 was officially declared the National Day of the Traditional Costa Rican Masquerade in 1996, proclaimed by the Aqueserri Culture committee. In 2022, traditional masks were further elevated by being declared Costa Rica’s 17th national symbol.
Does Costa Rica celebrate Halloween?
Costa Rica does observe October 31, but the primary cultural celebration is the Dia de la Mascarada rather than Halloween in the American sense. Some urban areas, malls, and expat communities do host Halloween parties with costumes and candy, but the national tradition centers on the masquerade parades.
Where are the best places to watch Masquerade Day celebrations?
The cities of Cartago, Escazu, and Barva de Heredia are considered the heartland of the masquerade tradition, both for their celebration size and their concentration of skilled mask-making artisans. San Jose also hosts festivities in and around the city center.
What are the different types of figures in the masquerade?
There are three main types: Giants (Gigantes), which can reach up to 3 meters tall and feature a full body structure; Big Heads (Cabezones), which are full-head masks representing characters and legends; and Masks (Mascaras), which are smaller and cover only the face.
Can tourists participate in the Day of Masquerade?
Absolutely. Tourists are welcomed and even encouraged to join the festivities. Spectators often find themselves pulled into the celebration by the masked participants, which is entirely part of the tradition. No special costume is required, though festive attire is always appreciated.
How long does it take to make a traditional Costa Rican masquerade mask?
The process begins with a clay mold that takes about one week to dry. After that, fifteen layers of paper mache are applied using strips of newspaper and a flour-and-water glue. Once the painted and decorated mask is complete, it can take up to one month to dry fully before it is ready for the parade.
Costa Rica’s National Day of Masquerade is a wonderful event which brings together all the eclectic attributes which have combined to create this very unique country. You may not get to trick-or-treat and you may not gorge on pumpkin pie. But come visit anyway and what you’ll experience is one of the most colorful, historic and endearing festivals of the year. And because it’s Costa Rica, you know that delectable food and fantastic celebrations are an absolute given!
