Costa Rica Celebrates “Night of the Witches”

What Springs to Mind when One Thinks of Halloween?

For the expatriate Living in Costa Rica, the holiday celebrated on the night of October 31st will likely bring back fond memories of extravagant costume parties, over indulgence in trick-or-treating, and Jack-o’-lantern carving competitions. In the Catholic nation of Costa Rica, the Noche de Brujas (“Night of the Witches”) is typically not celebrated, as the holiday is still considered to be Pagan and very “gringo”, or foreign.

This may come as a blow, in particular to our North American friends who celebrate the holiday with great gusto year in, year out. But alas! Despair is not necessary and all is not lost. Here is your guide to Halloween 2008 in Costa Rica with just over a week to go.

DECORATIONS
All Alyss stores good selection
All Hipermas supermarkets

COSTUMES
Gallito: Plaza Laureles, Escazu, San Rafael (near US ambassador’s house) adults and children
Ella-el: Escazu, San Rafael (near ScotiaBank) adults only
All Alyss stores some selection
All Hipermas supermarkets some selection

CANDY & SWEETS
All PriceSmart stores big economical bags!

TRICK or TREAT
Parque Valle del Sol, Santa Ana
Bosques de Lindora, Santa Ana
Both large North American communities with great decorations and a real holiday feel, though Bosques de Lindora is invitation only from residents

THEATRE
Event: Plan 9 From Outer Space (from Ed Wood film), by Little Theatre Group
Where: Teatro Laurence Olivier, Calle 28, Avenida 2
When: 7:30pm Fri 31st and Sat 1st, 2:30pm Sun 2nd
Why: For giving a gory spin on the usual Halloween witches
Cover: Adults ¢3,000, Students ¢1,500
Call: #8355 1623

PARTY
Event: “Halloween Dance Experience”
When: 8:00 p.m. Fri 31st
Where: Torre Geko, 5th Floor, Plaza Real Cariari
Why: DJ Max Graham and $3000+ in prizes
Cover: ¢6000 or ¢10000 VIP

Event: “Fiesta de Terror”
When: 9:00 p.m. Fri 31st
Where: El Sitio Bar & Grill, 500m east of Beyli Bridge, Cartago
Why: DJ Zooster, Juglar City Sounds and best costume prize
Cover: ¢1500
Call: #2551 0181

Event: “Fiesta de Halloween”, by the International Professionals of Costa Rica
When: 5:00 p.m. Fri 31st
Where: Antique Lounge & Restaurant, Plaza Itskazu, next to Outback Restaurant, Escazu
Why: Networking in disguise! For internationally minded professionals
Cover: TBA
Call: #2288 3048

Event: “Brutal”
When: 9:00 p.m. Sat 1st
Where: Club Oh! (Gay Friendly), Cll 2, Ave 14-16, 200m north of Pacific Station
Why: Saturday night fun, costume prizes totalling ¢225,000
Cover: ¢6,000 or VIP ¢8,000
Call: #8810 1746

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