Page 4 - LIMON TOURIST GUIDE

Introduction
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Several nearby beaches add to the attraction. A few kilometers from the central park are Playa Vizcaya, Playa Piuta, Playa Moín and Playa Bonita. The latter is internationally recognized the special qualities that make it an ideal surfing spot.
Cultural mosaic
Limón has a distinctive feel that cannot be found anywhere else: its multicultural population, its climate and its landscape.
Afrodescendants
The Afrodescendant population is one of the country’s most colorful, with cultural manifestations such as dance, cuisine and the versatile use of Spanish and English in the form of Limonese creole, locally known as patuá. These aspects of the local culture have become ingrained in the country’s conception of the Caribbean region and the province of Limón, with the annual Día del Negro carnival becoming a popular attraction.
As a result of the region’s history of occupation, the people trace their roots to two distinct groups, one enslaved and the other free. Both were associated with the construction of the railroad and, later, the cultivation of cocoa. Thus, at some point, members of this population went from taking orders and working for others to assuming responsibility for their freedom and managing of their own subsistence, which led to the adoption of a more relaxed lifestyle.
The city’s premier event is the colorful Limon Carnival, which begins on October 12 each year when the tropical rains take a break.
The comparsas or groups of dancers flood the streets of the city to the sound of festive African drums. There is a special color and grace in the costumes and dance of each of the participating groups. Afro-Caribbean rhythms have made a valuable contribution to the musical environment of Limón through the well-known and contagious rhythms of calypso and reggae.
Cuisine
Delectable and original dishes have made Limón’s cuisine famous on the world stage.
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