Each March, the streets of Alajuela come alive with the Festival de las Carretas, an event that celebrates Costa Rica's enduring heritage and the artful wooden ox carts known as carretas. This vibrant festival taps into the spirit of the hardworking farmers and artisans whose traditions remain fiercely present. Expect a day packed with color, music, and movement as dozens of elaborately painted ox carts make their slow, proud parade through the city center.

The festival is much more than a spectacle; it’s a bridge between the past and present, inviting you to witness Costa Rica’s agricultural roots on full display. These ox carts aren’t just props—they push forward like living history with their heavy wheels churning dust and wooden spokes creaking under bright paint that tells stories of a time when these wheels bore the weight of crops and commerce.

The air here hums with the rhythms of marimba and folk songs, punctuated by the snapping of whips and stamping hooves as oxen pull their loads through Alajuela’s busy streets. Craftspeople and artisans line the avenues selling souvenirs, handmade goods, and local snacks—plantain chips, tamales, and the sharp tang of fresh guaro to keep visitors energized.

Getting there is straightforward: Alajuela city lies just 20 km northwest of San José, easily accessible by public buses or car. Arriving early helps you secure a good vantage point as the parade can draw dense crowds. Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear — the streets may be uneven and you’ll spend hours on your feet. Hydration is important; the March sun can climb into the high 80s Fahrenheit (around 30°C), and water sources are sporadic outside of vendor stalls.

Beyond the parade itself, the festival includes competitive ox cart races and exhibitions of traditional cart-making skills. Walk the Otáez market surrounding the main square afterward to experience local culture in a less hectic scene, sampling fresh tropical fruits or a cup of Costa Rican coffee.

This festival is an adventure in cultural endurance, a walk through living history that doesn’t ask you to conquer it but to honor it. Whether you come for the colors, the craftsmanship, or the sheer spectacle, Alajuela’s Festival de las Carretas leaves an impression — an invitation to understand the pulse of community and tradition that continues to roll forward year after year.