Every June 29th, towns across Guanacaste, Costa Rica, pulse with a rhythm that is both ancient and alive. It is the Fiesta de San Pedro y San Pablo, a day honoring Saints Peter and Paul—two of the most revered figures in Catholic tradition. But here in Guanacaste, this day is more than a religious observance. It is a deeply rooted cultural celebration that brings together music, dance, faith, food, and community in a uniquely Tico expression of joy and identity.
For travelers seeking something beyond the typical beach vacation, this is a day to circle in red on the calendar. It offers a rare and beautiful glimpse into the soul of Guanacaste—its people, its traditions, and its festive spirit. Whether you’re a curious onlooker, an amateur photographer, or a traveler in search of authenticity, June 29th in Guanacaste is an unforgettable cultural immersion.
The Roots of the Celebration
The Fiesta de San Pedro y San Pablo has been celebrated in Latin America for centuries, a day that unites Catholic liturgy with local traditions. In Costa Rica—and particularly in Guanacaste—this celebration has evolved into something deeply regional, shaped by the cowboy culture, indigenous roots, and Spanish colonial influences that define the area.
Saint Peter is recognized as the patron saint of fishermen, and Saint Paul as the patron of missionaries. But beyond theology, they symbolize protection, leadership, and strength—qualities that resonate with the hardworking communities of Guanacaste. The fusion of sacred and secular elements gives the festival a unique duality: solemn in the morning, explosive with life by afternoon.
Morning Rituals: Devotion and Procession
The day typically begins before sunrise in many towns like Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and small coastal communities such as Playas del Coco and El Coco. Church bells ring across the valley, calling the faithful to mass. Men, women, and children arrive in their finest traditional attire—white cotton dresses with embroidered floral details, cowboy hats, boots, and bright sashes representing their local districts.
The Catholic mass is often held outdoors to accommodate the large crowds. It is a reverent and solemn ceremony, filled with prayer, music, and candles. The homily focuses on the virtues of the saints, often drawing parallels between their missionary journeys and the endurance of the Guanacaste can people.
Following mass, the community embarks on a procession through the streets. Statues of San Pedro and San Pablo, elaborately adorned with flowers, ribbons, and incense, are carried by local parishioners. Along the route, homes and businesses set up altars or offer fruit and coffee to walkers. Musicians—some playing marimba, others strumming guitars—follow behind, creating a moving soundtrack that echoes through the hills.
Afternoon Revelry: Where the Fiesta Comes Alive
Once the morning rituals conclude, the celebration shifts dramatically. The sound of church bells gives way to the blast of trumpets and the thump of bass drums. It’s time for the fiesta—the true heart of the day.
1. Traditional Dancing and Music
Town plazas transform into festival grounds. Folkloric dance troupes perform “El Punto Guanacaste,” the national dance of Costa Rica, which originated in this very region. Dancers in flowing skirts and embroidered shirts stomp and swirl to the beat of the marimba, telling stories through motion. In the background, live bands play cumbia, bolero, and ranchera—music that is as familiar to the locals as their native tongue.
For those watching, it’s hard to resist joining in. Locals encourage tourists to dance, clap along, and feel part of the celebration. It’s not just a performance; it’s a shared experience.
2. The Taste of Guanacaste
Perhaps nowhere is the cultural richness more palpable than in the food. Families and local vendors set up food stalls around the plaza, offering handmade tortillas, tamales wrapped in banana leaves, gallo pinto, and arroz con pollo. You’ll find traditional sweets like cajeta de coco (coconut fudge), arroz con leche, and rosquillas (corn flour cookies).
Drinks flow freely—freshly squeezed juices made from tamarind and cas, ice-cold beers, and even local liquors like guaro, the sugarcane-based spirit that lights up many toasts.
Tourists who plan ahead may be invited into a family’s home to share a mid-afternoon meal, a tremendous honor and one of the best ways to truly connect with Costa Rican hospitality.
3. Corridas de Toros (Tico Bullfighting)
By late afternoon, many towns host one of Guanacaste’s most unique traditions: the “toro a la Tica.” Unlike the bullfighting of Spain or Mexico, Costa Rica’s version is non-lethal. The bull is respected, not killed, and the real spectacle is watching young men (and sometimes women) from the community leap into the ring to test their courage.
It’s chaotic, thrilling, and wildly entertaining. The crowd roars with each close encounter. While it might seem risky, there’s an unspoken code of respect between human and animal. Local announcers commentate with flair, and vendors walk the bleachers selling everything from churros to beer.
Tourists are welcomed to watch—but rarely to participate (and wisely so). It’s a great photo opportunity and a tradition that perfectly reflects the cowboy (“sabanero”) roots of Guanacaste culture.
Evening Fireworks and Serenades
As the sun sets over the Pacific, the town quiets for just a moment. Families gather on porches. Children show off their painted faces and festival prizes. But it’s not over yet.
Nightfall brings fireworks—loud, bright, and dazzling against the black velvet sky. The smell of pólvora (gunpowder) mingles with grilling meats and sweet pastries. In some towns, small concerts or street performers keep the energy alive well into the night. Local youth often gather for guitar serenades, dancing, and the continuation of family traditions passed down for generations.
Why It’s Worth Planning Around
Unlike more commercialized festivals in Costa Rica, the Fiesta de San Pedro y San Pablo remains deeply local. There are few tourist stands, no scripted parades, no corporate sponsors. What you experience is real: the music, the food, the laughter, the spiritual reverence. For visitors seeking authentic cultural tourism, it’s a window into the soul of Guanacaste that few outsiders get to witness.
Here, you don’t just watch the fiesta—you become a part of it. Children will ask where you’re from, grandmothers will insist you try a second helping of arroz con leche, and dancers will offer their hand for one more spin across the square.
If you want to understand Costa Rica—not just the beaches or rainforests, but the people—there’s no better place to start than June 29th in a small town in Guanacaste.
Tips for Travelers
- Arrive early: Events begin in the morning with mass and continue all day. Get there early for parking and a good spot in the plaza
- Dress appropriately: Light, breathable clothing is best. Respectful attire is encouraged for morning religious events
- Bring cash: Most vendors don’t take cards
- Be respectful: This is a sacred day for many locals. Photos are generally okay but ask first, especially during mass
- Join in: Don’t be shy! The spirit of the day is inclusion and community
A Place to Stay Nearby
Some travelers choose to base themselves near Playa del Coco, one of Guanacaste’s more accessible and lively towns. A short ride inland brings you to smaller communities where the festival thrives.
Just minutes from the center of town, Villa Buena Onda offers an upscale, groups only retreat for up to 20 guests seeking both luxury and connection. It’s an excellent home base for cultural excursions like the Fiesta de San Pedro y San Pablo—with the added luxury of gourmet meals, spa services, and panoramic Pacific views when you return.
Conclusion: Come for the Culture, Stay for the Spirit
There are many reasons to visit Costa Rica: beaches, volcanoes, wildlife. But if you’re lucky enough to come in June, you’ll discover something far richer—a celebration that embodies the soul of a region.
The Fiesta de San Pedro y San Pablo is not just a holiday. It’s a living, breathing expression of Guanacaste’s heart. And for one glorious day every June, it opens its arms to anyone who wishes to take part.
