Puntarenas - Virgin of the Sea Fiesta

(Local Name: Fiesta de La Virgen del Mar) Puntarenas celebrates the Fiesta of the Virgin of the Sea on the Saturday closest to July 16. As with usual Costa Rican fiestas, there is a parade, carnival, boat races, dancing and plenty of food and drinks. An interesting feature of the parade in Puntarenas is that the floats are actual boats. Fishing boats and yachts are decorated with lights and flags and sail around the harbor.