Two Unique Costa Rican Nativity Decorations: “Angel Hair” & “Star Foam”

Costa Rican nativity scenes (pasitos) traditionally feature two distinctive decorations:

1. Angel Hair (cabellito de ángel) – Made from finely shredded coconut, it’s draped over the manger to represent straw or heavenly clouds.
2. Star Foam (espuma de Belén) – Crafted from the foam of the quillaja tree (soapbark), it forms a decorative border around the entire scene, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem’s radiance.

These natural, locally sourced materials give Costa Rican nacimientos a unique tropical character.