One of the best things to do in Grecia, Costa Rica, starts on Friday mornings and runs until noon on Saturday. If you’re looking for the freshest fruits and vegetables, it is the place to be. My first time visiting the Feria (Feria Del Agricultor, Grecia) was a bit overwhelming given the assortment of produce and even some organics—fresh meat, chicken, fish, and freshly baked breads and pastries (although my esposa now makes all of our breads and pastries).
In addition, Costa Rica grows several fruits and vegetables that you likely have never seen or tasted before. Some items we pick up when in season on a regular basis are dragon fruit (pitaya), rambutan, Costa Rican guava, papaya, mango, plantains, avocado, leafy greens, carrots, beets, chayote, bok choy, sweet potato, radishes, corn on the cob, apples, fresh cut flowers, and much more as needed. If you’ve never smelled a really ripe pineapple (pina) or tasted a truly ripe mango or sipped freshly ground Costa Rican coffee, you’re in for flavorful treat and your taste buds will love it.
We have fun trying to communicate with the Feria vendors in our limited Spanish. They smile because they know we are really trying hard. They quite often give us a sample to taste or an extra piece of fruit to go into our bag. And did I mention that everything is reasonably priced?
The Feria is also a gathering place for expats to meet, chat, share lunch, or catch up on the latest happenings. You shouldn’t go to the Feria hungry, but if you do, there is an assortment of open-air family-run cafes in the Feria called sodas. You can buy a complete meal with a drink for about 4500 Colones or $7.50 USD.
