The Ministry of Public Education announced on Apr. 30 that the Festival Estudiantil de las Artes (FEA) will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026 with a new logo and the theme “RaÃces que florecen: 50 años creando identidad.” The festival expects to involve more than 355,000 students from all levels and modalities of Costa Rica’s education system throughout its various stages.
The FEA has played a significant role in fostering creativity, talent, reflection, and skill development among students for five decades. The event provides educational spaces beyond the classroom where students can engage in artistic expression.
Minister of Public Education Leonardo Sánchez Hernández said, “50 years, half a century in which the MEP supports your talent. Art is not just expression; it is who you are, where you come from, and where you are going. This is the opportunity to turn your roots into art that blooms.” The new graphic identity for FEA is based on the concept of a “creative encounter,” represented visually by geometric shapes such as triangles and circles to symbolize the convergence of diverse talents and disciplines.
The festival will unfold through several phases: initial activities at educational centers began with registration between March 16 and April 24, followed by implementation from April 27 to June 5. Circuit-level events have registration from June 1 to June 9 with activities running June 15 through July 31. Regional events open registration July 27 through August 21 for sessions held August 31 to October 9. National-level activities start registering participants October 12-18 ahead of final events scheduled November 23 through December 4.
This milestone year highlights both tradition and renewal within Costa Rica’s arts education community as thousands of students prepare to participate in creative performances across the country.
