CATIE’s 2025 International Fair Returns with More Culture, Flavor, and Solidarity for Turrialba

The event raised over ₡35 million in its 2024 and 2025 editions, supporting 23 institutions and associations in the Turrialba canton..

This June 7 and 8, the CATIE campus (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) will open its doors to visitors from across the country for a new edition of the CATIE International Fair—the institution’s most important social responsibility event, which each year aims to make a positive impact in the Turrialba canton.

The fair will feature a broad agenda of cultural, sports, gastronomic, and recreational activities for all ages. From concerts with national artists such as La Kuarta, Pedro Capmany, La Solución, and Erick Sánchez and his Orchestra, to the traditional 5K and 10K race and the MTB race in its various categories; as well as cultural performances, children’s games, educational talks, and a diverse food fair with flavors from around the world.

The fair’s main goal is to raise funds to support social welfare and educational institutions in Turrialba. Recent success stories include the Hogarcito Infantil de Turrialba, which has been able to improve its facilities to provide a more dignified life for the children it serves alongside the PANI, and the Omar Salazar High School, which has been able to renovate classrooms, doors, and desks in its annex building in La Margot thanks to the support generated by this event.

Admission to the fair is completely free, and a large turnout is expected from both the Turrialba community and visitors from other regions of the country. Additionally, parking will be available on campus at a cost of ₡2,500 for cars and ₡1,500 for motorcycles, with the necessary logistics and security to ensure a comfortable and family-friendly experience.

For a Positive Change

During the 2023 and 2024 editions, the CATIE International Fair raised over ₡35 million, which was allocated to support 23 institutions and associations in the Turrialba canton. These funds enabled the implementation of educational, social, and cultural development projects, especially benefiting vulnerable populations. The contributions were delivered in May 2023 and October 2024, consolidating the fair as a high-impact social event in the region.

“The spirit of the fair is to come together as a community around solidarity, while celebrating cultural diversity and sharing spaces for well-being and learning. Every activity is designed not just to entertain, but to help build a better future,” said Margarita Alvarado, the event’s general coordinator.

CATIE invites everyone to join, enjoy, and support this noble cause. More information and the full event agenda are available on CATIE’s and the fair’s official social media pages.

For more information:

https://www.instagram.com/feria.catie

https://www.facebook.com/FeriaInternacionalCATIE