Costa Rican Music

Costa Rica has a rich musical history that many people don't know about. Costa Rican calypso music is one of the most famous musical styles to come out of Costa Rica, along with soca, salsa, merengue, and cumbia.

Wind instruments called ocarinas are used in ancient ceremonial songs that are still played today. Danza del Sol and Danza de la Luna are two ceremonial dances that are accompanied by the Pre-Columbian instruments known as the chirimia and the quijongo. The province of Guancaste, home to Tamarindo, is the center for keeping alive the folkloric spirit of indigenous Costa Rican music.

Contemporary music also has a place in the music scene. Rock bands such as Ghandi, Evolución, and Tango India have made their mark in Costa Rica and abroad.

Reggae and Ska are two very popular musical genres which also fit the mood of the country's tropical beaches. For visitors, listening to interesting and culturally relevant music is yet another element of getting to know Costa Rica.