By Pull It Up Radio

On January 17, 2026, San José, Costa Rica, witnessed a historic celebration for reggae and dancehall culture. The Docta Rythm Selecta Birthday Bash 2026 was not just a birthday party: it was a cultural meeting, a sound ritual and a clear demonstration of how dancehall is lived and respected in Costa Rican lands.

From Pull It Up Radio, we travel directly from Mexico to carry out the official coverage as press, with photographic records, video, stories and reels, documenting every moment of a night that will remain marked in the memory of the Central American scene.

The event took place at the Mercadito La California, one of the most important venues in San José, with an approximate capacity of 1,000 to 1,200 people. From early on, the atmosphere felt special: respect, positive energy and a real connection between audience and artists.

The day lasted more than eight hours, starting with roots reggae as a warm up and evolving naturally until it became a 100% dancehall night that stayed on until 4:00 in the morning.

The organization and production were impeccable. Stage, screens, lighting and, above all, very high-level audio, supported by the powerful ACES Sound System, a four-scoop system, a fundamental piece to understand the real dimension of Sound System Culture in Costa Rica.

Listening to dancehall in a system like this is not just sound: it is tradition, it is living history and it is respect for the roots.

The Birthday Bash brought together select national and international DJs and artists, showing the diversity of nuances within reggae and dancehall:

Featured line-up:

There were several high points throughout the night, but some moments were simply unforgettable:

Something that deserves special mention is the unity of the Costa Rican scene. During the event, media and groups such as Reggae Family Costa Rica, Reggae World Costa Rica and Dub Wise Costa Rica coincided, showing a solid, respectful and collaborative scene.

This is no coincidence: it is the result of years of real grassroots work.

Events like this open doors. They allow the public to discover other ways of experiencing dancehall, other aesthetics, other sounds, without losing the essence. They also reinforce fundamental traditions such as:

In Costa Rica, reggae and dancehall are not fashion: they are played on the radio, in the street, in businesses, in daily life. And that is felt in events like this.

For Pull It Up Radio, it was an honor to cover this event and show the world how reggae and dancehall culture is experienced outside of Mexico, from a real perspective, without filters and with deep respect.

We recognize and celebrate the work of Docta Rythm Selecta, who has been key in preserving and continuing the traditions of dancehall and sound system culture in Costa Rica, building scene, community and legacy.

PHOTO GALLERY

By: Michael Solano Photography

🎥Pull it up REEL

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