During the recent District Humanitarian Trip to Costa Rica, travelers paused their service work to celebrate a special occasion — the birthday of our First Lady, Judi Parajon. The evening was filled with joy as fellow Rotarians danced the night away to the lively rhythms of traditional cimarrona (often affectionately called “Maroon”) music.
Behind them were the vibrant “mantudos,” or festival clowns, whose playful mission is to chase everyone in sight — sparing no one! These larger-than-life figures are part of Costa Rica’s beloved masquerade tradition. Among the unforgettable characters are the Devil, Death, the Headless Father, and the famous Giganta, inspired by the elegantly dressed “plated” ladies of colonial Costa Rica.
These colorful clowns are central to the annual Masquerade Festival, held each year on October 31 — a celebration of folklore, culture, and community spirit that brings history to life in the most spirited way.