Here’s a round-up of cool stuff to do around the capital for the month of June:
Exhibit: The recently completed Jade Museum opens its doors
Pre-Columbian objects as well as Jade carvings shine light into the lives of our ancestors. Check out the new modern 4-story and interactive exhibits. The Museo de Jade welcomes visitors daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
Film: Month of Environmental Cinema
Free screenings at the University of Costa Rica continue throughout the month, celebrating environmental cinema. A few of the selections include Blackfish, Into The Wild, Océanos and Soylent Green, plus many more. Every Thursday and Friday in the auditorium of law (Avenida 13, San Pedro), discussion begins at 5:30 pm and movie begins at 6:30 pm.
Fair: On the way to carbon-neutrality
The future of renewable energy, recycling and minimizing the climate change are presented at “La Feria Ambiental”, an interactive fair featuring dancers, musicians and theater groups. At Casa del Cuño, Antigua Aduana from June 5-7, 9 am to 7 pm.
Festival: Patron Saints are honored with festivals throughout the country
Towns named San Antonio, San Pedro and San Pablo will celebrate their patron saints this month with carnival parades, rodeos, concerts and other cultural activities. These rollicking “fiestas” are a yearly highlight and locals keep dancing to Salsa and Cumbia far into the night. In some towns the celebrations are accompanied by religious processions. June 13 is the Day of San Antonio (festival in San Antonio de Belén from June 4-15), San Pedro and San Pablo are honored on June 29.
Exhibit: “Heritage of Arts” / “Herencia de Arte”
The temporary exposition shows work from world-famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Paul Gauguin, among many others. The exhibits come from all over the world and include 2000 year-old pieces as well as contemporary art. At the National Gallery until June 28, Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4:30pm and on the weekends from 9:30 am to 5 pm.
Some more awesome things to do in San José every weekend:
Fall in love with your city / Enamorate de tu ciudad
Every Saturday the Costa Rican Department of Culture and Youth fills San José parks with action. Get to know the city’s lovable side, its acrobats, musicians, dancers, skaters and comedians, its drummers, deejays and hula-hoopers. Join the party by trying out some handicrafts, slack-lining or taking informal dance lessons. When you work up a sweat, cool down with a “granizado” or “copo” (grated ice flavored with syrup). Every Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm in the park La Merced and in the three other parks close to each other: España, Jardín de Paz and Morazan.
Green, greener, Feria Verde
Local organic farmers, fair trade chocolate producers, bee masters and artists meet at this weekly market to proudly present their hand-made products. Taste some freshly smoked salmon, delicious pollen (yes, you can actually eat it) or popsicles with whole fruits inside. Every Saturday from 7 am to noon at the Polideportivo de Aranjuez.
Live music at “El Sótano”
This bar, café and restaurant is a well-known spot for latin, jazz, blues, rock, reggae and funk. If there is no live music, there’s always good vinyl spinning, and often art exhibitions, dance and theater performances. The Bar Sótano/Amón Solar is in the Amón district of San José (Calle 3, Avenida 11), open Thursday to Saturday from 8 pm to 2 am.
Sunday concerts
“La Banda de Conciertos” organizes a weekly music event in the center of San José. Listen to an orchestra of more than 40 professional musicians while enjoying the sun in the park. Sundays at 10 am in the Central Park and every last Sunday of the month at 11 am in the National Museum.
Cardio Dance and Tae Bo
Dancing, boxing and martial arts come together for this intense workout, which strengthens and tones the whole body. Free weekly lessons every Sunday from 9:30 to 10:30am at Polideportivo Aranjuez.