Spheres Festival - March 2013

8th Annual Spheres Festival  planned for this month in central Pacific

SOURCE:  AMCostaRica.com  March 7, 2013 The Municipalidad de Osa is getting ready for the eighth Festival de las Esferas later this month. This is an entertainment and cultural event set against the backdrop of the pre-Columbian stone sphere in that part of Costa Rica. The event is March 19 to 24 in Palmar Norte, Palmar Sur, Ciudad Cortés and also on the famous Finca 6 where the Museo Nacional is developing a museum specifically for the stone spheres. For the first time there will be a foot race as part of the program. The recreational race will be March 24 at 4 p.m., and participants will travel between Finca 6 and Palmar Sur. The residents of Rey Curré also will present the Juego de los Diablitos. That will be March 23 at 2 p.m. This is a shortened version of the confrontation between the devils and the bull, representing a cultural statement about the invasion of the Spanish in colonial times. There are seminars every day on biology and archaeology as well as tours. There also are workshops and musical events. Costa Rica just received word that the spheres have been advanced to candidate status for inclusion in the World Heritage cultural list of the U.S. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. This is expected to give a boost in tourism to the area as well as open the door to additional funding.

The stone spheres are the local stones that were shaped by pre-Columbian people, probably the ancestors of the individuals living in the area now. The use is uncertain but local archaeologist think the spheres, which range in size, were symbols of rank. For example, the chief's dwelling might have two spheres erected in front. Finca 6 is one of the locations specifically included in the U.N. announcement. The event also is sponsored by the Asociación de Desarrollo Integral de Palmar Sur.