Top 5: Festivals In Central America

Across the region you can find unique celebrations, both religious and secular. Festivals provide a window into local cultures like few other events. The chance to see the locals letting loose should not be passed up.

Holy Week Carpets for Semana Santa, Antigua, Guatemala © Loca4motion | Dreamstime

Semana Santa in Antigua, Guatemala

If you are in Guatemala around Easter, head to the colonial town of Antigua for Holy Week. Sure it’s crowded, but with good reason. The processions are the largest in Latin America and must be seen to be believed.

© Jorge Mejia Peralta | Flickr

Feast of San Jeronimo in Masaya, Nicaragua

The patron saint of the town of Masaya is paraded through town to the sound of fireworks. Locals listen to music and dance as San Jeronimo passes by.

© Sam Chadwick | Dreamstime

Feast of Saint Thomas in Chichicastenango, Guatemala

Speaking of dancing, how about doing it at the top of a 90-foot pole? While few visitors would dare to try it themselves, you can certainly watch the locals do so in the market town of Chichi. Every year on Dec. 27, locals and tourists alike throng the streets to watch the flying pole dancers.

© Fosterss | Dreamstime

Feria de la Mascarada in Barva, Costa Rica

Singing and dancing are again on the menu in Barva, but this time people do so wearing huge masks. While many depict the standard demons and devils, politicians and celebrities also make an appearance as masks that can weigh up to 20 kilograms.

Festival de Diablos y Congos in Portobelo, Panama

During this festival, locals take to the streets to mock the colonial Spaniards by roaming the streets in the role of escaped slaves and taking prisoners. Wild crowds will demand huge ransoms to release the captive, but they will usually settle for some coins.