Costa Rica Gives Multiple Answers To Retiree Expat Boredom

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For would-be expat retirees who still believe they’ll be bored witless wherever they decide to spend their retirement years, Costa Rica has a long list of answers.

Finding how to fill an unending days’ worth of free time may well be a dream for some retirees but it’s definitely a nightmare for others. The answer is to choose your destination carefully after researching online for community activities in a number of attractive expat locations. For example, Costa Rica is popular with retired expats due to a full calendar of events guaranteed to ensure new arrivals as well as long-stayers have a great day out.

Reputed to be one of the happiest countries on the planet, Costa Rica is crammed with festivals both religious and secular, fairs, cultural celebrations and other activities, all of which appeal to expatriates as well as locals. Favourites are the street food festivals, with their dozens of food trucks and street stalls serving up a variety of delicious culinary delights, varying region to region and sharing the space with booths serving up local wines and a selection of craft beers. Festivals are usually dog and children-friendly and include live music and kids’ organised games.

Cultural festivals are ever-popular events, taking place all over the country as well as in San Jose’s historic neighbourhoods and parks. One famed event features over 50 artistic, educational and recreational activities including dance classes, literary workshops, jazz ensembles and displays of local dance, music and traditional celebrations. For a totally different but totally cultural experience, the town of Santa Anna holds its annual Onion Fair, celebrating its place as the major onion-growing town in the whole of Costa Rica. Music, dance, onion-based and traditional cuisine are the focus, with locals, tourists and expats alike all enjoying this unusual tradition.