In Costa Rica, the Christians are in majority. Easter is the premier holiday, and Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a time when most of all express their faith, bringing the nation to a standstill. Spanish-style street processions take place every day of the week before Easter, to sensationalize all stages of Christ's way to the cross, crucifixion, and resurrection. Small villages have their own way of celebrating, and they add to the occurrence the blessing of oxcarts, horses and trucks. Families everywhere prepare "dulce de chiverre" (sweet preserves), "arroz con leche" (sweet rice), "tamal mudo," eggnog, quesadillas, "rosquillas" and "polvorones," and special dishes with seafood.

During the Christmas merriment and some days previous to New Years, a similar phenomenon, the national "fiesas patronales," is celebrated. Families congregate to exhibit nativity scenes at their homes and to celebrate the "posadas," a norm where children, playing shepherds, go house to house and sing Christmas carols, re-enacting the journey of Mary and Joseph. Musicians perform traditional carols while the party-goers feast on time-honored meals. O ne of the most distinctive foods is tamales, but families also serve "hecho de masa de maiz y rellenos de arroz," and "carne de cerdo vegetales."

Another religious celebration is the pilgrimage to the Basilica de Los Angeles in Cartago city, in tribute of the Virgin of the Angels. During this holiday many people walk to the city from all parts of the country, in order to pay a "promise" to the Virgin (when she answered a prayer) or to renew their faith. Some believers travel for days or even weeks in order to reach their destination and to honor the Virgin. Even though some Costa Ricans decide to party during religious celebrations, they still prefer the company of their family.

Independence Day is the most noteworthy non-religious holiday in Costa Rica. Every town has its own prescribed official festivity counting parades of young children, music bands and majorettes. People carry the national flags and wear with the national colors red, blue and white.