Independence Day in Costa Rica

September 15, 2010 marked the 189th year that Costa Rica celebrated it's Independence!  On Sept. 15, 1821, Costa Rica, along with the rest of Central America declared its independence from Spain.  Now an official country holiday the Ticos began their celebrations on Tuesday evening as proud Costa Ricans gathered together to sing the national anthem and light traditional candle lanterns. In Cartago, the country's original capital, east of San José, President Laura Chinchilla will received a torch carried all the way from Guatemala as a symbol of the spreading of the good news of independence throughout Central America.  

The symbolic torch runners can be seen all over the country as they  carry the torch from city to city.  We were excited to witness these torch runners while driving to Jaco!  They were led by the policía escorts and followed by an ambulancia and the bomberos in their fire truck.  I believe that each runner carries the torch for a certain distance and then passes it on to another.  I am sure it is an honor to be chosen to carry the torch and you can see that this sweet girl was all smiles!  Wednesday was marked by marching bands and children in school uniforms and traditional dress parading through the streets of every major city, carrying flags and singing patriotic songs.
Our home in Costa Rica is in Costa del Sol a wonderful gated community at Playa Bejuco which is located just a few minutes from the canton of Parrita in the Province of Puntarenas on the Central Pacific Coast.  A few years ago we had attended the Independence Day parade in the city of Jaco but this year when we heard there would be a parade in our peaceful little neighboring town of Parrita we grabbed the camera and headed out!  What a fun day it was!  The excitement of the marching bands, the singing and dancing, the pure enjoyment of witnessing these happy families enjoying their holiday together while celebrating for their country was an amazing cultural experience!  We tasted many of the local food offerings from the many tents and enjoyed a photo op with some of the cooks!

The U.S. Embassy, government offices and most businesses are closed for the holiday.

Feliz Día de la Independencia de Costa Rica

Please enjoy our Video of video clips and photos

of this once again fun and enriching day 
in beautiful Costa Rica!

If you are considering a vacation or possibly retiring to Costa you will certainly want to consider coming during this fun filled week to enjoy these customs and traditions of the Ticos!
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Pura Vida! We look forward to seeing you soon!