Everything Ready for the CATIE International Fair on April 18–19

• The CATIE campus in Turrialba is preparing to welcome visitors from different parts of the country for a new edition of this traditional fair, which will offer live music, cultural performances, entrepreneurship, gastronomy, and activities for the whole family.

CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) officially announced the organization of the CATIE International Fair 2026, which will take place on April 18 and 19 at its campus in Turrialba.

This event, considered one of the most important cultural and solidarity traditions in the canton, will once again bring together families, national and international visitors, entrepreneurs, artists, and representatives of diverse cultures in a space that promotes multicultural exchange, local tourism, and community support.

The CATIE International Fair was born in the 1980s, promoted by a group of women known as the Panamerican Ladies , who organized food sales to raise funds for social welfare institutions. Since then, the fair has maintained its charitable purpose, consolidating itself as a regional reference.

In its 2025 edition, the fair achieved an approximate fundraising of 9 million colones, funds that were allocated to strengthen community organizations and social projects in the canton of Turrialba.

For 2026, the event will feature a wide range of international gastronomy, cultural and sports activities, entrepreneurship, family spaces, and sustainable initiatives under the Blue Flag Ecological Program approach, reaffirming CATIE’s commitment to the environment and responsible development.

Let’s do it again!

The 2026 edition will feature a diverse cultural and artistic agenda designed for the enjoyment of the whole family. During April 18 and 19, the main stage will host dance performances, cultural shows, and live music that reflect the diversity of talent in the region. Among the highlighted activities are the Ranchero Festival, folkloric performances, dance shows, and artistic demonstrations that will bring energy to each day.

The musical program will include highly anticipated moments for the public, with the participation of artists and bands such as La Kuarta, Buena Calle, SonD2, NRumba2, and Los Ramírez 506, as well as performances by singers Ivonne Sánchez and Jecsinior Jara. These presentations will be complemented by other cultural expressions that will transform the fair into a space to celebrate music, culture, and community gathering at the CATIE campus in Turrialba.

This year, the CATIE International Fair supports the following social welfare organizations, so come and show your support.

• Hogar Turrialbeño Salvando al Alcohólico
• San Buenaventura Nursing Home
• Turrialba Children's Home
• Jenaro Bonilla School
• Colegio Omar Salazar Obando
• Asociación de Voleibol
• Lions Club
• Salvando al Hermano Caído
• Albergue Indígena de Turrialba
• Escuela María Auxiliadora

The gastronomic offering supporting these institutions will represent 16 different countries: Panama, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Brazil, Honduras, Nicaragua, Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.