Easter Week:
The week before Easter Sunday is a time for vacations throughout the country. Many businesses close the entire week and everybody shuts down on Thursday and Good Friday. Until a few years ago, there was no vehicle traffic of any kind on Thursday and Good Friday. Believers thought that the use of vehicles during this holy time was a sin. On those days people got around on foot or horseback. Now many Costa Ricans take advantage of these days for a mid-summer vacation to the beach or mountains. Regular business activity slows down during the week; Thursday and Good Friday find public services and transportation at a virtual standstill.
Modern times have seen the breaking of old traditions, but many Costa Ricans continue their loyalty. The celebration of Easter is one of great solemnity and faith, whether held in the neighborhood church or on the beach.