TOP NEWS & EVENTS

The Second date for the Circuito Nacional surf contest will be in Tamarindo on December 12-14th. This contest is hosted by Witchs Rock Surf Camp.

--> The Surfrider Foundation Tamarindo Chapter will host a Double Beach Cleanup on Saturday December 13th. For Tamarindo neighbors, meet in front of the Iguana Surf parking lot. And for the Langosta residents - meet on the beach in front of the Barcelo - both at 9 a.m. Thanks for participating!! If you're interested in Recycling in Tamarindo, click here.

--> Parties around Tamarindo - Dec. 28th, Espinar Brother’s Infamous Party in Liberia with DJ Bob Sinclair & Soundswell DJ’s. For more info www.publicitycr.com. AND Dec. 31st, New Year’s Eve at Aqua Discotheque with DJ Karlos Elizondo (MEX) & Soundswell DJ’s. BAR ONE will also throw a New Year's bash. Look for details to come.

--> Parties around Jaco - New Years Eve Party featuring Delta Wave (tentative) and the Flying Eyes (tentative) at Hotel Doce Lunas. These two bands bring a combination of influences ranging from Pink Floyd to the Velvet Underground. Also, on 12/13 - Allfest Electric Music Festival (Rave), featuring DJ Sweetbo, DJ Espy and as well as several international Djs.

--> Wind Star 7-Day - Puerto Caldera Roundtrip January 24 & 31; February 28; March 7, 2009. Itinerary: Puerto Caldera, At Sea, San Juan Del Sur, Playas del Coco, Quepos, Bahia Drake, Curu, Tortuga Island, Puerto Caldera. From $1,799 per person. Contact travel@ crsurf.com for details. Visit - www.windstar.com for more Costa Rica cruise options.

--> "Pura Vida Health" , Tamarindo's own unique marketplace of certified organic, organic, homegrown fresh produce and local handmade products and crafts is born! The fair is set to kick off January 8, 9 and 10 and run every two weeks (Thursdays 1pm-4pm, Friday and Saturdays 8:30am-noon). They have graciously been given use of the Vodoo Lounge Art Zentro's back garden bar to host this epic bi-monthly event. (directly behind Vodoo Lounge, next to Plaza Conchal, across from Cabinas Coral Reef) Help them bring a place to be happy and healthy together to our community. More information will come soon about the kick off party on January 8th 2009.

--> The tourism tax of $15 per plane ticket purchased from outside of Costa Rica has passed through the legislature. This replaces a 3.39% tax on hotel rooms. The money raised goes to the ICT, which uses the funds to promote tourism and sustainable practices. The $26 exit tax is still in place. No mention yet on exactly when the additional fee will be added.