Festival de la Mula (Mule Festival), Campo Ferial de Parrita
Landmark · Central Pacific
Every February since 1989 Parrita throws a party for the humble mule: a parade of mules dressed up in flowers, ribbons and bells, mule races at the fairgrounds, marimba music and food stalls with tamales, gallo pinto and casados. It began as a race between farm workers at the old Esterillos airstrip.
- Time there
- 3 h
- Best time
- February (festival days)
- Kids
- 7 / 10
- View
- 3 / 10
- Crowds
- 8 / 10
- Swimming
- 0 / 10
- Effort
- 1 / 10
- Location
- 9.52275, -84.34153 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Kids
- Good for kids
- Season
- February only; dates change every year
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
The festival runs for about ten days in February (2023: Feb 9–20); check that year's dates on the organizers' social media and go for the parade and the races.
Be careful
Big crowds and lots of animals in the streets — keep kids close during the parade. It's very hot: water and a hat.
Getting there
Campo Ferial (fairgrounds) of Parrita, next to the bullring (redondel), about 1.5 km west of the town park; Parrita sits on the Costanera (Route 34).
Places nearby
- Crustáceo ParriteñoFood & CoffeeFamily-friendly seafood restaurant in Parrita with a dedicated kids area, generous portions and fair prices.
- Panadería AguilarFood & CoffeeTraditional bakery in downtown Parrita, across from Banco de Costa Rica, for coffee, cakes with dulce de leche and sandwiches to go; opens at 5 am.
- Restaurante Los PilonesFood & CoffeeLarge family restaurant in Parrita, on the way between Jacó and Quepos, with seafood, steaks, pizzas and cocktails.
- Soda El TucánSodas & Local FoodPopular roadside soda in the center of Parrita (next to Coopeande) known for huge casado plates, chorizo and its own house chili sauce.
- Bar Restaurante AraVeFood & CoffeeFamily-owned bar-restaurant on Parrita's main road known for ceviche, whole fried fish, arroz con pollo and casados, with passion-fruit smoothies.
- Chicharronera y Marisquería ChepeFood & CoffeeFamily-run chicharronera and seafood spot on the Costanera in Parrita: whole fried fish, ceviche and chicharrón, and owners happy to give trip tips.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/99634248 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/99634248 · https://ticotimes.net/2023/02/09/the-costa-rican-mule-festival-in-parrita