Costa Rica Independence Day: Celebrating tradition

Independence Day of India reminds us of revolution and resistance, movements and martyrs. It is a story of blood and tears. It is a story of courage and pride. Our fight against the British rule continued for 200 long years before the Indian flag could be hoisted on the Indian soil for the first time in 1947. And now, our Independence Day celebrations, like many other nations, are a proud display of power and patriotism . But Independence Day of Costa Rica is different in many ways. Both the history and the celebrations.

Brief history of Costa Rica’s independence

Like the major part of Latin America, Costa Rica used to be under the colonial empire of Spain. But in 1821, Spain decided that the region of Central America was becoming a burden for them and hence supported the independence of Central America. The Central American Republic then included Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Thus Costa Rica, along with these other Central American countries, received their independence from Spain on 15th September, 1821. Without any war for independence! That is why Costa Rica’s history of independence does not have stories of blood or tears.

The story gets even more amusing. This was a historic event that took place in the early 19th century. You know, communication was different back then. News could travel from one place to another only via messenger. Not the Facebook messenger! We are talking about human beings riding on horses. They were the carriers of news or messages. So, although the independence was declared on 15th September, 1821, Costa Rica did not know about it until a month later! The horseback riding messenger from Guatemala arrived in Costa Rica with the news of independence on 13th October, 1821.

Costa Rica Independence Day: Celebrations on 14th

Independence Day is a big celebration in Costa Rica. The celebrations begin from the day before. Every year, on the night of 14th September, a symbolic torch of independence arrives from Guatemala to Cartago, the capital of colonial Costa Rica. This is to commemorate the arrival of news of independence via the messenger from Guatemala in 1821.

The school children also perform a similar act on 14th September evening. In honor of that torch. They carry paper lanterns that they made in the shapes of houses and other traditional objects. This walk in the evening is called Desfile de Faroles, that is, lantern parade.

Costa Rica Independence Day: Celebrations on 15th September

Another amusing fact about Costa Rica is that they had abolished their army more than 70 years ago. In fact, this was one of the reasons that triggered our decision to move to Costa Rica.

So, to celebrate Independence Day, there is no military parade. There is no flying of fighter planes in the sky. Instead, Costa Rica Independence Day is a celebration of tradition and joy, of peace and harmony. People wear traditional costumes and eat traditional food, and share happy times with their family and friends. It is the day for people to flaunt red, blue and white, the colors of the Costa Rican flag.

On the morning of 15th September every year, the commoners perform parades on the streets of different towns of Costa Rica. They practice for this parade for several weeks leading up to the D-day. People of all ages, from small kids to senior citizens, come together to participate. They walk to the rhythm of the music played on their traditional musical instruments. Many people gather on the streets to watch this celebration of Costa Rica Independence Day.

Independence Day Parade in Heredia: A photo story

Here is a photo story of the Independence Day parade that we attended last year in Heredia, a town in the Central Valley of Costa Rica.

People gather on the streets to watch the parade. If you want to witness the celebrations, go early and grab a convenient spot. Because it gets crowded. Do you see the people on the roof? Also, carry an umbrella (for sun and rain) and a bottle of water. Because you are going to be standing or sitting under the sun for a good two hours.

Different schools participate and the children of the school wait for their school’s turn. Usually the parade begins with the smaller kids. You don’t want them to get sun baked for too long, right?

Children of all ages participate. They carry different musical instruments to complement their parades.

The celebrations are simple yet beautiful. The participants synchronize their moves to keep the audience entertained.

Adults also participate and have a good time.

Different schools have different costumes for the parade.

Each school’s parade is led by a few in the front, followed by the bigger troops.

Salute to one beautiful nation, Costa Rica!

The senior citizens, the alumni of the schools, also carry their pride during the Independence day celebrations. This woman is holding Costa Rica’s flag in her hand. Also, as you can see in the background, the pavement becomes the audience gallery. 🙂

This troop is wearing traditional Costa Rican attire. And of course, in red, blue and white!

The traditional costume is long flowy dress with several layers. The choker on the neck and the bun on the hair are also done the traditional Costa Rican way.

If you want to take a picture of the Tico men and women clad in their pretty Tico costumes, they will happily oblige.

Costa Rica Independence Day – the Pura Vida way

We feel the whole history of Costa Rica’s independence blends so well with the Pura Vida motto of the nation. And the celebrations reflect just that. Happy faces all around, proudly celebrating their tradition.