Fiesta de La Virgen del Mar 2024 in Costa Rica

Celebrating the festival of the Virgin of the Sea is a big deal for the people of the city of Puntarenas. Each year on a Saturday closest to July 16, fishing boats and yachts are brightly decorated with lights and flags and sailed into the sea. They seek protection from the Virgin for another year at the sea. Besides sailing and racing, there is plenty of dancing, food, and drinking on that day.

Fiesta de La Virgen del Mar Traditions

This holiday is very popular among residents, so every corner of the country celebrates it, but the largest bash takes place in the city of Puntarenas. Festive events begin with boats being decorated with flowers, lights, streamers, and flags.

In the harbor of Nicoya Gulf, priests bless all the boats in the presence of a large audience. After the blessing, the boats sail through the harbor, seeking the Virgin's protection for another peaceful year at sea. After this ritual, the city buzzes with concerts, oxcart parades, sports activities, fireworks, and dances. Festival guests will also be able to enjoy the rich cuisine of Costa Rica.

The Fiesta de la Virgen del Mar is both a religious event and a cultural celebration that highlights the importance of the sea in the lives of locals and their faith in the guidance of the Virgin Mary.

Fiesta de La Virgen del Mar History

Since its inception in 1913, this widely cherished event features fishing vessels and yachts decorated with vibrant lights and banners as they cruise through the harbor. Thousands of residents gather to partake in the festivities and observe the ceremonial blessing of commercial fishing boats conducted by the community's priest. Since then, the Fiesta de La Virgen del Mar has become an important part of the community's cultural and religious life.