Every March, the province of Alajuela wakes to the rhythmic clatter of wooden wheels and the spirited calls of horse riders—signaling the arrival of the Festival de las Carretas. This lively event honors Costa Rica’s iconic oxcarts, once essential to transporting coffee and goods across rugged terrain. It’s more than a vibrant parade; it’s a hands-on experience where history meets craftsmanship and community pride.

The festival centers around a spirited procession through the streets of Sarchí, Alajuela’s renowned artisan town famous for its hand-painted oxcarts. These carts aren’t just objects; they carry stories, each brightly decorated panel bearing geometric patterns and natural motifs passed down for generations. Walking alongside, you feel the raw energy of tradition fiercely alive—the horses breathe steam into the cool March air, and the carts’ wooden wheels rasp against the pavement as local bands play folk tunes, daring onlookers to join the dance.

Visitors can explore workshops where artisans carve and paint with focused intensity, granting insight into techniques preserved through centuries. This is a festival demanding respect: the environment hums with history, yet the artisans’ craftsmanship is an active challenge, a call to understand form, function, and beauty working in unison.

Practical information ensures you won’t just witness the spectacle but fully engage. The parade route itself stretches roughly 3 kilometers through downtown Sarchí, with opportunities to access elevated viewpoints for sweeping shots of the event and the surrounding coffee-rich hills. Planning to attend early is key—arriving by mid-morning captures the preparations, while late afternoon offers enchanting light for photography as the carts roll onward.

Wear sturdy footwear to handle a mix of cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces. The crowd’s density calls for hydration; local vendors provide fresh fruit juices and traditional snacks like tamales, practical energy boosters during the day’s hustle. Take a reusable water bottle—Alajuela’s tropical climate in March can shift from sun-soaked heat to brief showers, so packing a light rain jacket or poncho is wise.

For those wanting more than the parade, Sarchí’s workshops are open in the days surrounding the festival, offering hands-on classes for painting or woodcraft—a perfect way to deepen connection with this fiercely celebrated tradition. The festival challenges visitors to experience culture as a living pulse—not a photo-op—engagement that honors both the beauty and heritage of Alajuela.

Whether you’re a casual traveler or a history enthusiast, Alajuela’s Festival de las Carretas offers a unique blend of vibrant community spirit and deep-rooted artisan skill. It’s an adventure into Costa Rica’s heart, where wood, color, and tradition refuse to stand still.