AGP Executive Report

Costa Rica Independence & civic arts: San José and Cartago are gearing up for September 15 with the Independence Torch Relay, band festivals on Avenida Central, and public cultural programming, including a Gaudí Casa Batlló photo exhibition that ties Catalan modernism into the patriotic season. Local culture tourism: JacoBeach.com launched a new independent travel guide for Jaco, bundling hotels, restaurants, tours, nightlife, and visitor essentials—another push to spotlight Costa Rica’s Pacific arts-and-leisure scene. Music & live performance: Finnish metal band Amorphis announced a temporary lineup change for 2026, with Pyry Hanski stepping in on bass for upcoming dates. Science with a Costa Rica link: Researchers confirmed tiny crabs hitching rides on sea snakes off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, adding a new twist to marine “ocean taxi” life. Digital culture & fact-checking: Meta is expanding Community Notes testing across multiple Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, as it explores crowdsourced context for posts.

Tech & Media: Meta is expanding Community Notes into multiple Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, by letting local contributors add context—while fact-check groups warn it could replace independent verification. Arts & Pop Culture: The official Transformers YouTube channel posted a new clip from “Optimus Prime: Awakening,” and the 4K re-release of The Transformers: The Movie opens in theaters on Sept. 17, including in Costa Rica. Music & Culture: Trinidad and Tobago’s Josiah Hills advanced at the COTECC Master Under-14 in Mexico after a retirement, with Costa Rica’s Hector Cruz involved in the match. Local Spotlight (Costa Rica): A magnitude 5.3 earthquake hit the southern Pacific early this morning near Uvita/Dominical; residents across the Central Valley reported feeling it. Health/Science (Costa Rica): Nanox signed a Costa Rica distribution agreement with SOLME to market and support the Nanox.ARC 3D tomosynthesis system. Travel (Costa Rica tie-in): Travelzoo promoted a “Costa Rica with flights & rental car” package for club members, featuring Monteverde rainforest canopy tours and Caribbean beach time.

Meta & Fact-Checking Shakeup: Meta has started testing Community Notes in 16 Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, with the company hinting it could eventually replace third-party verification—prompting pushback from regional fact-checkers who warn crowdsourcing won’t be enough, especially with AI-driven misinformation. Costa Rica Arts & Culture Spotlight: Costa Rica marked Gaudí Year 2026 with a new San José photographic exhibition, “Casa Batllo by Gaudi,” using 34 outdoor panels to bring the architecture and color of the Catalan landmark to local audiences. Fashion in the Spotlight: Gap is going big on bags for New York Fashion Week, installing a giant Reed Krakoff-designed “GapBag” tote at Rockefeller Center—an artsy, pop-up-style fashion moment that’s worth watching for design fans. Tech & Healthcare (Local Angle): Nanox announced a Costa Rica distribution deal for its Nanox.ARC medical imaging system via SOLME, aiming to expand access to 3D tomosynthesis. Immigration Tech in Costa Rica: Juan Santamaría Airport rolled out its first biometric eGates, speeding eligible arrivals through facial recognition tied to electronic passports. Surf & Sports Culture: The U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships return to Oceanside this week, highlighting adaptive surfing’s growing professional spotlight.

Gaudí in San José: Costa Rica opened a new outdoor photo exhibition, “Casa Batllo by Gaudi: The Modernist Jewel of the Catalan Genius,” with 34 panels in Plaza de la Cultura and more stops planned in Cartago—free to visit until mid-November. Latin Music & Classical Crossover: CPR Classical’s “Latin Beats: Sonidos de las Américas” spotlights Latin American musical heritage through a special concert with the Mexican Cultural Center and Colorado Symphony. New Music Roundup: This week’s song picks include Girl Ultra’s “Te Caigo” and SNENiE’s “Pierdo La Memoria,” plus more fresh releases. Pop Culture Buzz: The Rasmus shared a punk-rock cover of Alphaville’s “Forever Young,” while Bachelor in Paradise stars Jess Edwards and Spencer Conley announced they’ve ended their engagement. Costa Rica on the Sports Map: Jamaica’s Concacaf W Championship opener is set against Costa Rica, and the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup schedule includes a Costa Rica match on Sept. 10. Travel & Culture Tie-In: Visa and Duty Free Americas expanded benefits to Costa Rica border stores, including Paso Canoas, blending shopping perks with regional travel culture.

Biometric Travel Upgrade: Costa Rica rolled out its first automated biometric eGates at Juan Santamaría Airport, speeding eligible arrivals through facial recognition and e-passport checks. Social Media & Fact-Checking: Meta began testing Community Notes in 16 Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, as it moves toward replacing professional fact-checking with crowdsourced context. Visa Perks for Travelers: Visa and Duty Free Americas expanded their partnership across Central America and the Caribbean, adding savings at DFA’s Paso Canoas border store between Panama and Costa Rica. Surf Spotlight (Costa Rica): At the ALAS Pro Tour in Playa Hermosa, El Salvador’s Bryan Pérez secured a semifinal-to-final push with a last-second air and talked about training that keeps “fun” at the center. Local Sports Calendar: Concacaf confirmed the 2026 W Championship schedule in Texas, with Costa Rica among the qualified teams. Arts & Culture (Hispanic Heritage): Multiple local governments recognized Hispanic Heritage Month, including community celebrations tied to the “Unidos Somos Más” theme.

Women’s Football: Concacaf confirmed the 2026 Concacaf W Championship schedule in Texas (Nov 27–Dec 5), with Costa Rica among the eight teams. Jamaica opens the tournament against Costa Rica, while the U.S. faces El Salvador and Canada meets Panama. Costa Rica & Society: A UNFPA-backed interview highlights that young Costa Ricans still want families, but affordability, housing, job stability, and childcare delays are pushing decisions back. Arts & Culture: The Costa Rica Philharmonic Orchestra is set to pay a grand tribute to Michael Jackson, while San José marks Afro-descendant heritage with a 2026 Diaspora Parade. Travel & Lifestyle: A cost comparison weighs all-inclusive vs DIY trips for Costa Rica, and a guide spotlights Monteverde and Puerto Viejo’s culture, music, and wildlife. Media & Community: Visa and Duty Free Americas renew expanded cardholder benefits, now including the Paso Canoas border store between Panama and Costa Rica.

Ivanka Trump Backlash (Costa Rica): Ivanka Trump’s sunset horseback video from her Costa Rica trip—featuring her 15-year-old daughter Arabella going hands-free—sparked “tone-deaf” jibes online as US gas prices hit record highs, with critics on both left and right calling it a “let them eat cake” moment. Family & Fertility Debate (Costa Rica): A UNFPA-commissioned report says young people still want families, but cost of living, housing, job insecurity, and childcare gaps are delaying plans—Costa Rica’s youth show both concern and optimism. Women Under Fire (Costa Rica): A study on online conversations during Laura Fernández’s first 100 days finds political violence against women is rising, with heavy negativity and personal attacks dominating. Dementia Care (Costa Rica): A Lancet trial (LatAm-FINGERS) including Costa Rica reports hands-on coaching improved memory and thinking far more than lighter advice. Arts & Culture (Costa Rica in the spotlight): Daft Funk Live adds Costa Rica to its 2026–27 tribute tour, while a global streaming hit, “Sheriff Country,” is notably popular in Costa Rica. Immigration & Deportations: A monitoring project says the US has deported at least 45 Brazilians to third countries, with many sent to Costa Rica.

Costa Rican Arts & Culture: The Costa Rica Philharmonic Orchestra is set to stage “KING: Tributo a Michael Jackson” at Teatro Popular Melico Salazar (Sept. 5 at 8:00 p.m., Sept. 6 at 4:00 p.m.), with vocalist JP Castillo joining the orchestra for symphonic takes on “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Thriller,” and more. Local Music Scene: Sonidero Barrio Fátima (Cartago) has won Costa Rica’s ACAM “Album of the Year” for “SBF vol. 3,” celebrating a cumbia-rooted community project that grew from neighborhood gatherings into a national spotlight. Afro-Descendant Heritage: San José’s Diáspora Parade returned as part of the Festival Flores de la Diáspora Africana, featuring Zumba, a bike ride, and a full day of cultural programming honoring Afro-descendant pride. Arts, Media & Pop Culture: Daft Punk tribute act Daft Funk Live announced new 2026–27 tour dates, including newly confirmed stops in Costa Rica for May 2027. Sports & Entertainment: Miss Universe 2026 is gearing up in Puerto Rico, with Costa Rica named among the countries already preparing their representatives.

Costa Rican Arts & Culture: San José’s Afro-Descendant Heritage got a big spotlight with the return of the 2026 Diaspora Parade, featuring Zumba, a community bike ride, and a parade launch that also called out organizing hurdles and institutional discrimination. Music & Local Identity: Cartago’s Sonidero Barrio Fátima just won Album of the Year at the ACAM awards for “SBF vol. 3,” turning a neighborhood-rooted cumbia project into a national cultural moment. Classical Pop Crossover: The Costa Rica Philharmonic Orchestra announced “KING: Tributo a Michael Jackson” at Teatro Melico Salazar (Sept. 5–6), with JP Castillo leading vocals for orchestral takes on “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller.” Tech & Community (Crypto): EagleSwap hit 10,000 completed swaps, a milestone for the Costa Rica-relevant crypto swap platform. Global Screen Culture (Costa Rica audience): CBS’ Sheriff Country is climbing streaming charts, peaking in places including Costa Rica ahead of Season 2. International Arts Pop: Daft Punk tribute act Daft Funk Live added Costa Rica to its 2027 tour dates.

Afro-Descendant Culture: San José’s 28th Festival Flores de la Diáspora Africana brought back the Diáspora Parade, with Zumba, a community bike ride, and a big opening ceremony spotlighting Afro-descendant contributions and calling out organizing hurdles. Music & Community: Sonidero Barrio Fátima hit a major milestone, winning Album of the Year at the ACAM awards for “SBF vol. 3,” celebrating cumbia roots and neighborhood identity. Classical Pop Crossover: The Costa Rica Philharmonic Orchestra returns with “KING: Tributo a Michael Jackson” at Teatro Melico Salazar (Sept. 5–6), featuring vocalist JP Castillo and symphonic takes on hits like “Billie Jean” and “Thriller.” Arts & Architecture: Gaudí’s Casa Batlló arrives in Costa Rica via an exhibition of 56 photographs plus public cultural programming across San José and Cartago, including a standout concert by the Sagrada Familia’s official organist. Local Arts Calendar: Comic Con Costa Rica is back with international guests and family-friendly activities. Sports (Local Interest): Valencia vs. Barcelona is set for this Sunday, with full TV/streaming listings included for Costa Rica viewers.

Afro-Descendant Culture in San José: The 28th Festival Flores de la Diáspora Africana brought the Diáspora Parade back to the capital, filling streets with Zumba, bike rides, live music, and community celebration of Afro-descendant heritage. Costa Rican Music Spotlight: Sonidero Barrio Fátima’s “SBF vol. 3” won Album of the Year at ACAM, a big hometown-to-national leap for the cumbia-rooted collective. Classical Pop Crossover: The Costa Rica Philharmonic Orchestra announces “KING: Tributo a Michael Jackson” at Teatro Melico Salazar (Sept. 5–6), with JP Castillo leading vocals. Arts & Architecture Exchange: Gaudí’s Casa Batlló lands in Costa Rica via an exhibition of 56 photographs plus public music events, including a special concert by the Sagrada Família organist. Wildlife & Ethics: A National Geographic Traveller piece urges responsible sloth viewing, warning that “cute” social-media behavior can mask stress for the animals.

Afro-Descendant Culture: San José lit up with the 2026 Diaspora Parade, part of the Festival Flores de la Diáspora Africana, mixing Zumba, bike rides, and community performances while organizers also pointed to administrative hurdles and discrimination faced during planning. Music & Awards: Sonidero Barrio Fátima (Cartago) won Album of the Year at the ACAM awards for “SBF vol. 3,” celebrating a cumbia-rooted project that grew from neighborhood gatherings into a national spotlight. Classical Pop Crossover: The Costa Rica Philharmonic Orchestra is staging “KING: Tributo a Michael Jackson” at Teatro Melico Salazar (Sept. 5 at 8 p.m., Sept. 6 at 4 p.m.), with JP Castillo leading vocals and symphonic takes on “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller.” Arts & Architecture: Gaudí’s Casa Batlló lands in Costa Rica via an exhibition of 56 photographs plus public events across San José and Cartago, including a concert by the Sagrada Familia’s official organist. Community & Safety: Brasil de Santa Ana’s district council urges MOPT to speed up fixes at the Piedades interchange, arguing for an overpass or at least moving forward with an already reviewed roundabout plan. Nature Festival: Costa Ballena’s 16th Whale and Dolphin Festival returns this weekend (Sept. 4–6), timed to humpback season near Marino Ballena National Park.

Costa Rican Arts & Culture: Gaudí’s Casa Batlló lands in Costa Rica with an exhibition of 56 photographs plus public music and events across San José and Cartago, highlighted by a special concert featuring the official organist of the Sagrada Família. Tourism & Nature: The 16th Whale and Dolphin Festival returns this weekend (Sept. 4–6) in Costa Ballena, timed to peak humpback season near Uvita and Bahía Ballena. Arts, Travel & Wellness: A new piece on why visitors keep returning to Costa Rica spotlights wellness travel beyond spas—more outdoors, movement, good food, and real rest. Local Arts Calendar: Comic Con Costa Rica is back with international guests and family-friendly activities. Infrastructure & Community: Brasil de Santa Ana’s district council urges MOPT to speed up safety upgrades at the Piedades interchange, arguing for an overpass or at least moving forward with the approved roundabout plan. International Arts/Media (Costa Rica tie-in): Fathom expands The Transformers: The Movie 4K theater run (Sept. 17–21) and adds Costa Rica to international screenings, with a new pre-show short, Optimus Prime: Awakening.

Arts & Architecture: Gaudí’s Casa Batlló lands in Costa Rica with an exhibition of 56 photographs plus music and public events across San José and Cartago, including a special concert by the official organist of the Sagrada Familia. Culture & Media: The Cote Photo documentary traces the decades-old “most credible UFO photograph” taken over Lago de Cote, releasing Sept. 4 on major streaming platforms. Local Arts/Community: Brasil de Santa Ana’s district council urges MOPT to speed up safety upgrades at the Piedades interchange, pushing for a faster fix than the current roundabout plan. Travel & Wellness: The 16th Whale and Dolphin Festival returns this weekend in Costa Ballena (Sept. 4–6), timed to peak humpback season with cultural and nature programming. Sports (Costa Rica in the spotlight): Canadian teen Erin Brooks wins the Fiji Pro/WSL event after Isabella Nichols withdraws due to an ankle injury suffered in a semifinal over Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy. Business/Entertainment: Fathom expands The Transformers: The Movie 4K theater run (including Costa Rica) and adds Optimus Prime: Awakening, a new animated short with Peter Cullen’s final original performance. Scam Watch: A UK “ethical” tree-planting fraud tied to Costa Rica ends with three men jailed after nearly 3,000 investors lost about £70 million.

Arts & Culture Exchange: Gaudí’s Casa Batlló lands in Costa Rica with an exhibition of 56 photographs plus music and public events across San José and Cartago, including a special concert by the Sagrada Familia’s official organist. Film & Pop Culture: Fathom expands the 4K theatrical run of The Transformers: The Movie (Sept. 17–21 in North America/UK) and adds international screenings that include Costa Rica, with a new animated short, Optimus Prime: Awakening, as part of the pre-show. Local Arts, Community & Nature: The 16th Whale and Dolphin Festival returns Sept. 4–6 in Costa Ballena, pairing humpback watching with cultural and sporting activities. Road Safety (Public Works): Brasil de Santa Ana’s district council urges MOPT to speed up upgrades at the Piedades interchange, arguing for an overpass or, at minimum, moving forward with an already approved roundabout plan. Wellness Travel Trend: A new piece looks at why visitors keep returning to Costa Rica as wellness shifts beyond spa-only trips toward outdoors, movement, good food, and real rest. Music: Dominican urban artist La Perversa’s “Mona” hits No. 1 in the Dominican Republic and Panama and charts in Costa Rica (#17). Sports: Canadian surfer Erin Brooks wins the Fiji Pro for a second straight WSL Championship Tour title, with Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy in the semifinal spotlight.

Gaudí in Costa Rica: Casa Batlló lands in San José and Cartago with an exhibition of 56 Gaudí photographs plus public music events, including a special concert by the official organist of the Sagrada Familia. Wellness Travel Trend: A new look at why visitors keep returning to Costa Rica as wellness shifts from “spa-only” routines to outdoors, movement, good food, and real rest. Surf Spotlight: Canadian teen Erin Brooks wins the Fiji Pro for a second straight World Surf League Championship Tour title after Isabella Nichols withdraws with an ankle injury; Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy was involved in the semifinal. Transformers for Fans in Costa Rica: Fathom expands the 4K theatrical run of The Transformers: The Movie (Sept. 17–21 in North America/UK) and adds international screenings that include Costa Rica, plus the new animated short Optimus Prime: Awakening. Arts & Culture Exchange: The documentary The Cote Photo debuts on streaming Sept. 4, tracing the most credible UFO photograph ever taken over Costa Rica’s Lake Cote. Local Wellness Hospitality: Small Luxury Hotels of the World grows its Wellbeing Collection with seven new members, including properties across Panama and beyond. Scam Warning (Costa Rica-linked): UK fraudsters tied to an “ethical” tree-planting scheme in Costa Rica are jailed after a £70m investment scam funded luxury spending.