La Velada 26 brings music, traditions, and Christmas cheer to our neighboring town, November 27–29.
By Staff Writer Claudia | November 3, 2026
Christmas in Costa Rica has its own special charm. While much of the Northern Hemisphere prepares for snow and freezing temperatures, here the holiday season arrives with warm evenings, colorful decorations, lively music, and communities gathering to celebrate.
This November, our town of San Mateo will welcome the Christmas season with La Velada 26, a three-day celebration from Friday, November 27, through Sunday, November 29.
For families living in Ecovilla San Mateo, it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience local traditions, meet our neighbors, and enjoy the festive spirit of the community we now call home.
A Weekend of Music, Culture, and Celebration
La Velada 26 promises something for nearly everyone, bringing together traditional Costa Rican entertainment, holiday music, and family activities.
The festivities will include Christmas carols (villancicos), folkloric dancing, live concerts, and the traditional lighting of the town park (encendido del parque).
Scheduled performers include Roy Vargas, Rosslyne, and Elena Umaña, along with marimba music by María Isabel and entertainment from DJ Lex.
The marimba, with its distinctive wooden tones, is a particularly wonderful part of Costa Rica’s musical heritage. Alongside folkloric dances and Christmas carols, these performances offer a chance to experience the cultural traditions that make community celebrations here so memorable.
Fun for the Whole Family
Families with children will find plenty to enjoy throughout the weekend.
The announced activities include inflatable attractions, sporting events, Zumba with Lily Vargas, and bingo at the San Mateo church.
A Christmas parade is also part of the town’s holiday preparations, bringing another festive tradition to the celebration.
And, of course, one of the highlights will be the lighting of the park, a symbolic moment that welcomes the Christmas season and brings the community together.
Support Our Local Entrepreneurs
La Velada 26 will also feature a feria de emprendedores, or entrepreneurs’ fair, providing an opportunity to discover and support small local businesses.
For those of us who have made San Mateo our home, shopping locally and participating in community events are meaningful ways to build connections beyond our own neighborhood.
Whether you’re discovering a new local product, enjoying a performance, or simply spending an evening in the town center, these gatherings help strengthen the relationships that make a community special.
Mark Your Calendars
La Velada 26 — San Mateo Christmas Celebration
Dates: Friday, November 27 – Sunday, November 29, 2026
Location: San Mateo, Alajuela
Highlights: Christmas parade, park lighting, concerts, folkloric dancing, marimba, entrepreneurs’ fair, children’s activities, Zumba, and bingo
The event listing does not yet provide a complete day-by-day schedule, so residents should check for updated performance times and activity locations before attending.
For additional event information, visit La Velada 26 on CR Turnos.
Celebrate Beyond Our Gates
One of the joys of living in Ecovilla San Mateo is being part of a much larger Costa Rican community.
As the holiday season approaches, La Velada 26 offers a simple invitation: venture into town, bring the family, enjoy the music, support a local entrepreneur, and share in the traditions of our neighbors.
Sometimes the best way to feel at home in a new place is simply to show up and celebrate together.
¡Feliz Navidad y nos vemos en San Mateo!