Ocaso Music Festival Returns to Costa Rica with International Lineup

The Ocaso Underground Music Festival prepares for its ninth edition, set to bring house and techno beats to the central Pacific coast from January 22 to 25. Organizers expect thousands of attendees from around the world to gather just outside Jacó for a mix of music, art, and late-night gatherings. The event takes place along …

Gang Riots Erupt in Guatemala Prisons Over Transfer of Leaders

Gang groups rioted on Saturday in several Guatemalan prisons, where they have been protesting since 2025 over the transfer of their leaders to a maximum-security facility, authorities said. The Barrio 18 gang and its rival, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) both designated as “terrorist” organizations by the United States and Guatemala are accused of contract killings, extortion, …

Costa Rica’s SINAC Sounds Alarm on Unauthorized National Park Entries

Officials from Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) have raised alarms over a spike in unauthorized entries to national parks and other protected zones during the recent holiday period. Between late December 2025 and early January 2026, authorities identified 408 individuals entering these areas through unofficial routes, with volcanic sites bearing the brunt …

China and U.S. Trade Barbs Over Influence in Costa Rica

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Costa Rica reacted strongly to statements made by the new U.S. ambassador to the country, Melinda Hildebrand, who said on January 5 that China’s economic influence represents one of the challenges facing Costa Rica. The statements that triggered the Chinese reaction were made on January 5, …

Costa Rica’s Tourism Is Losing Ground to Mexico, Guatemala and Others

The National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) warned that Costa Rica’s tourism ended 2025 with a modest 1% increase in international arrivals, a figure that signals a slowdown compared to other destinations in the region. The country welcomed 2.689 million tourists by air, up from 2.661 million in 2024. While the result avoided a negative close, …

Gauff and Sabalenka Call Out Grand Slams on Revenue Split

As the 2026 Australian Open begins on Sunday, top tennis players welcome the tournament’s record prize pool but call for deeper changes across all Grand Slams. The event’s total purse rose 16 percent to A$111.5 million (US$75 million), with singles champions set to earn A$4.15 million each – a 19 percent jump from last year. …

U.S. Warns of Military Risks in Mexico and Central America Airspace

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a series of safety warnings on Friday for airspace over Mexico and Central America. The alerts point to potential military activity and interference with satellite navigation systems that could affect flights. Pilots received instructions to take extra care at every altitude, including during climbs, descents, and overflights. …

Costa Rica to Introduce Advanced Blood Test for Early Detection of Cancer

In 2026, Costa Rica will finally gain access to one of the world’s most advanced medical technologies. one capable of simultaneously detecting nine types of cancer in a short period of time and even before the body shows any warning signs. This was announced by the Center for Research in Surgery and Cancer (CICICA) at …

US Sends First Deportation Flight to Post-Maduro Venezuela

A plane carrying 231 Venezuelans touched down at Maiquetia International Airport in Caracas today, marking the first deportation flight from the United States since the removal of former President Nicolas Maduro. The flight originated in Phoenix, Arizona, and signals a shift in U.S.-Venezuela ties following recent military actions. U.S. forces captured Maduro two weeks ago …

Costa Ricans Honor Community Roots at the Palmares Festival

The Fiestas de Palmares 2026 began yesterday with a parade through the streets and the opening of the PalmarINK art gallery. Thousands gathered for the event’s first day, which ended with a concert featuring Trío Los Panchos and Trío Los Dandys at 7 p.m. in the redondel. Organizers from the Asociación Cívica Palmareña reported no …