Renacido: The Artist Reborn
Renacido Festival hosted their inaugural event in Manuel Antonio from Friday to Sunday, November 26-28, 2021. Billed as a celebration of the rebirth of art in Costa Rica, the festival brought many local and international artists together to create and make music together. To ensure safety and limit the crowd, music was dispersed between three venues: Papugami’s at Tres Banderas, Plinio, and Hotel La Colina with a shuttle running constantly between each.
Things heated up on Friday night, as each venue had a unique combination of sound, ranging from soulful folk and moody blues to high energy funk.
Andre Nowacki, manager of Papugami Tiki Bar at Tres Banderas Hotel, said, “The different locations to enjoy amazing music was a top experience of the festival, never a dull moment!”
On Saturday night, over at Plinio, Tommy Panamarenko and Bethany Joy shared their more acoustic sound and haunting harmonies. At Hotel La Colina, the Fagan brothers Ben and Chris raised the energy level to the delight of their fans who traveled from Dominical and Uvita. Over at Tres Banderas Hotel, After Irma, a band based in the US Virgin Islands but with some roots in Costa Rica rocked it out. The guitarist and singer-songwriter RC Sanders lived for some time in Dominical and produced an album during his time there in 2020. This time, he brought the band to play their original groove style with a violinist and percussion player.
The vibe shifted into an upbeat party as DJ Bosque Sound played to the late-night crowd. Papugami Tiki Bar delivered the perfect drinks, location, and atmosphere. The drinks and vibe were on point with many enjoying the cocktails and dancing.
By Sunday evening, everyone was ready for a final round of music and entertainment. After Irma, Drew Laplante and his Cajon player, and brothers Chris and Ben Fagan all came together again for a final set. After Irma set the tone right with originals and high-energy covers with funky violin solos. The blazing fire performer Circle OM then mesmerized the crowd with a fire dancing performance marked by incredible artistry and precision. Finally, Ben and Chris Fagan charmed with wit and banter between songs, sharing their songs and laughter, which made everyone feel like a friend.
One of the most beautiful things about the Renacido Festival was the sense of community. Manuel Antonio came together to put on this festival, and it was enjoyed by a wide variety of people who all had something in common—their appreciation for music and good energy. It was easy to find something to love, whether it be the music, atmosphere, or the company.
“Having for the first time a music festival around town- that was special! Many gathered faces we haven’t seen in a long time, bringing close friends and locals together. Magic! It’s the only word that describes the whole weekend,”