If you are lucky enough to be visiting Costa Rica at the time when one these Cabalgatas or Topes are going on, you would be guaranteed a fun time while getting to know the warmth of the local people.
Historically the rural regions of Costa Rica have always been and is still predominantly cattle country with agriculture being a large part of the local economies. For this reason the horse is a symbol to the villages here and it is still common to see “campesinos” riding their horses back and forth from work or herding cattle down the main streets of towns between the local farms.
 Each town or Pueblo sponsors a yearly Fiesta to raise funds to improve the local schools, clinics, water and road systems for the community. One of the most common fund raisers is called the Cabalgata or Tope which in essence is a horse parade or trail ride. Other events include various kinds of horse races that display the riding skills of our local cowboys including the form and training of their horses.
These are cultural events that join the community with common goals and interests and if you are lucky enough to be visiting Costa Rica at the time when one of these Cabalgatas or Topes are going on, you would be guaranteed a fun time while getting to know the warmth of the local people. Whether regularly attending these events or seeing these competitions for the first time, adults and children alike have the chance to get close enough to feel the power and emotion while seeing professional Costa Rican Cowboys proudly displaying their horses and skills.
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Art and Culture 
