Guanacaste Day – July 25, 2026

Expected Guanacaste Day Deals

As a federal holiday in Costa Rica, Guanacaste Day sees local businesses and cultural institutions offering special programs rather than commercial deals. Expect regional tourism operators like Expediciones Tropicales and hotels such as Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo to highlight Guanacaste-specific experiences. Local restaurants, including those in Liberia and Nicoya, often feature traditional Guanacastecan cuisine. Cultural centers and museums may offer free entry or special exhibits commemorating the annexation. We will update this page with confirmed live events and special offerings as July 25 approaches.

History of Guanacaste Day

On July 25, 1824, the Federal Republic of Central America — of which Costa Rica was a part — passed a law that effectively annexed Guanacaste as a province of Costa Rica. Citizens celebrate Guanacaste Day annually on July 25 with parades, music, food, and more. Formally, the holiday is known as ‘la Anexion del Partido de Nicoya,’ meaning ‘The Annexation of Guanacaste.’ Guanacaste, which initially belonged to the nation of Nicaragua, was made up of three regions, namely Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Liberia (formerly Villa de Guanacaste). After a series of discussions, all three regions held a referendum to decide whether to become part of Costa Rica. While Nicoya and Santa Cruz voted ‘yes,’ Liberia voted ‘no.’ However, the majority carried the vote, and Guanacaste joined Costa Rica as a province.

Today, Guanacaste is considered one of Costa Rica’s most important tourism destinations and has even been tagged the ‘Gold Coast of Central America.’ The region is a key contributor in producing crops such as rice, sorghum, and sugar cane. It also has a cultural heritage of cattle ranching. Guanacaste has made significant cultural contributions to Costa Rica, particularly in the music space, as Guanacaste folklore music has impacted Costa Rican music. Additionally, tortillas and ‘bizcochos’ are said to originate from Guanacaste.

Guanacaste Day is an official holiday in Costa Rica but is celebrated most grandly in Guanacaste. The streets are usually filled with arts, crafts, and stalls selling traditional Costa Rican food. While fireworks, folk dances, and concerts occur, most businesses remain closed.