Events and Art Gallery

Local Events and Art Gallery

Look up the on-line version of Ballena Tales bi-monthly publication, www.ballenatales.com/ .

We have many local events and workshops held throughout the year.

Galeria 1084

Galeria 1084 in Uvita is Costa Ballena’s premier art destination, showcasing an eclectic array of fine art paintings, bespoke jewelry, intricate glassworks, stunning sculptures, Indigenous artworks, enthralling photography, home decor and gifts. Representing 30 talented Costa Rican and international artists, our carefully curated space celebrates the beauty and culture of the local community and beyond.

Galeria 1084 hosts monthly, one-day art making workshops where participants of any skill level create a unique piece of art to take home. We also sponsor cultural events such as author book and poetry readings, live music and art education programs.

Please visit our website for directions as well as our calendar of events.
Web: www.galeria1084.com
Email: [email protected]
Whatsapp: +506 8627 9353
Open Tuesday – Saturday / 10am – 4pm

Whales & Dolphins Festival - late August or September

The festival has become the most important tourist event at Bahía Ballena, centered in Uvita, as it went from receiving 4,000 visitors in 2009 to 40,000 last year. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) arrive in Costa Rica every year between July and October from the Southern Hemisphere after a journey of some 8,000 kilometers. Experts believe that the warm and shallow waters of the area attract whales to give birth and raise their calves here. The arrival of humpback whales that come to give birth in Costa Rican waters is the festival’s main attraction but not the only one. Ballena Marine National Park is also known worldwide for the periodic visitation of other cetacean species, such as pilot whales, Bryde’s whales and false killer whales. Visitors to the park also can watch three resident species of dolphins including bottlenose, spotted and spinners, in addition to various species of sea turtles such as hawksbill, olive ridleys and green turtles. The local association of tourism operators, including 23 companies from Bahía Ballena, is responsible for organizing the event. The festival offers additional activities such as dolphin watching, family walks and sports competitions of athletics, cycling and beach volleyball. The two-weekend festival also includes cultural events such as a sand sculpture contest, concerts, parades, masquerades, artistic performances and lectures.

Envision Festival - late February

One of the biggest transitional festivals in Central America, Envision Festival is a 4-day musical, cultural and artistic adventure. It is by far one of the most popular festivals in Costa Rica. Envision is more than just a music festival, it is famous for being a life-changing experience. On the beautiful Pacific coast of Uvita, Envision Festival takes place between the jungle and the ocean. The goal of the festival is to bring people from all cultures and backgrounds together in music, art, yoga, spirituality, performance, dance and education. In fact, the 8 pillars of Envision Festiva are movement, spirituality, music, radical acceptance, community, permaculture, health and art. https://envisionfestival.com/about-envision/

Fiesta de Verano - mid March

Every year, towards the end of the summer the Fiesta del Verano is celebrated, this year the event will take place in the central weeks of March.
The event takes place near the Plaza de Deportes of Bahia and involves all citizens for three weekends . In addition to equestrian competitions and a horse race through the town and beach, a Plaza de Toros is set up where the rodeo and some sort of bullfighting happens every evening, luckily the bulls are not harmed or killed. There are also numerous musical events and dancing parties, together with carousels and food stalls where to taste traditional foods.

Boruca Tribal Village Festivals

The indigenous Costa Rican tribe Boruca (also called Brunka or Brunca) is known for its vibrant, intricately carved and painted masks. But behind the mask is a community built on rich and unequalled customs, foods, festivals, traditions and more. Daily life in Boruca reflects a self-sustaining agricultural village, but one where the majority of the economy is supported by artisan crafts and ecotourism. Discover the aspects of Boruca culture including religion, food, medicine and education along with the people themselves.

Baile de los Diablitos runs Dec. 30-Jan. 2. Hundreds of visitors come to see the famous celebration depicting the battle between the Spanish and the native tribes.
Dia de las Culturas, Oct. 12, is a national Costa Rican holiday celebrating the culture of indigenous people.
La Mura, Dec. 7-9, commemorates a dance shared between the Boruca people and the African people who accompanied the Spaniards to Boruca in the late 1500s.
The people of Boruca also set aside a day, Las Juntas, each October to take part in community service.

http://www.boruca.org/en/

Wednesday & Saturday Market in Uvita

The El Mercado Farmers Market in Uvita is located on the road leading to the Ballena National Park, Whales Tail entrance. Turn west at Luna home decor store, drive about 2 minutes and turn right after the soccer field. 8am - 1pm. During Low Season, days and hours are subject to change. Come early for baked goods, vegetables, jewelry, photographic art, Boruca Masks, fresh fish, pickles, jams, etc. Whether or not you buy anything, they are great places to meet people and experience the local culture. You can find produce, jewelry, pastries, clothing, souvenirs. It’s free to attend and sample some of the local offerings. If you do decide to buy something, you’ll know it’s going directly back into the community! Local tip - Fit right in by taking your own bags, as many of the vendors are members of the local Bahia Ballena Libre de Plástico!
www.facebook.com/elmercadocr/
https://www.facebook.com/elmercadocr/
[email protected]
+506 8411 8807