A quiet colonial town most of the year, Santa Rosa bursts to life during August, when copanecos celebrate their patron saint, the Virgin of Santa Rosa de Lima, with music, food, sporting competitions, and other events.

Highlights include the artisanal fair, called Feria de los Llanos, held the last week of August, which includes music and cultural performances; the Noche de Fumadores (on the third Friday of August), an evening dedicated to fine cigars; and the Tarde con Aroma a Café, an afternoon tasting locally grown coffee.

Other events during the month include Juegos Florales, a literary competition hosted by the Casa de la Cultura, and the Feria de Ganaderos, a cattle expo held in the AGAC field in the Colonia Miraflores. Goods ranging from hand-crafted saddles to handicrafts and cheap toys are sold, and those looking to spice up their visit can try their luck at the mechanical bull or on the dance floor.

Note: The Feria de los Llanos is repeated during Holy Week and in December, should you not be able to make it in August.