Costa Rica’s Independence Day.
Costa Rica’s Independence Day is a vibrant and joyous celebration that holds deep historical significance for the people of this beautiful Central American country. Every year on September.15th, Costa Ricans come together to commemorate the day in 1821 when they formally declared their independence from Spanish colonial rule.
The road to independence was not easy, as Costa Rica was part of the Captaincy General of Guatemala, which was under Spanish control for centuries. However, inspired by the ‘for independence’ sweeping through Latin America, Costa Rican leaders began to take action to break free from Spanish dominance.
On September.15,1821, a council in Guatemala City declared the independence of all of Central America, including Costa Rica. The news reached the small town of Cartago a month later on October.13, because the official notice had to be delivered from Guatemala by horseback.
Costa Rica notified the United States of its independence on September 5, 1848 and on April 24, 1849, the U.S recognized their Independence.
Every year the local authorities and residents gather in the Plaza Mayor as they did in the past to celebrate their freedom. A symbolic torch travels by relay runners from Guatemala across the Central American Countries to Cartago, Costa Rica on September,14th. Costa Rica shares this national holiday with Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Since then, September.15th has been a national holiday in Costa Rica, celebrated with parades, dances, music, and traditional activities. The day begins with the raising of the flag and the singing of the national anthem, followed by performances by school children and community groups.
It is called the “Mes de la Patria”, or “Month of the Nation,” where businesses, homes, cars and golf carts are decorated with blue, white and red Costa Rican flags, banners and decorations observing a month full of colorful festivities. The color blue signifies the sky, opportunities and perseverance. White symbolizes peace, and red is for the warmth and courage of the Costa Rican people and the bloodshed lost to defend their country.
One of the most iconic traditions of Costa Rica’s Independence Day is the “Desfile de faroles,” lantern parade on the evening of Sept.14. Children and adults alike create colorful lanterns made from recycled materials and march through the streets at night, illuminating the darkness with their light. Today you will see LED lights as well in this 19th century reenactment of the journey that brought the message of independence from Spain. This tradition symbolizes the unity and solidarity of the Costa Rican people in their quest for freedom.
For locals and visitors alike, Costa Rica’s Independence Day is a wonderful opportunity to immerse oneself in the country’s rich history and vibrant culture. There is music and dance parades showcasing the country’s cultural heritage on the morning of September.15th. Schoolchildren practice for several months in preparation. In cities and towns across the country, people gather in parks and plazas to enjoy live music, dancing, and fireworks displays.
One way to fully experience the festivities is to attend a traditional “fiestas patrias” celebration in a local town or village, where you can witness first-hand the pride and passion of the Costa Rican people.
Visitors can also take part in activities such as lantern making workshops, traditional dance classes, and historical tours that highlight the key moments of Costa Rica’s independence movement.
Other popular activities on Independence Day include traditional Costa Rican cuisine, such as “tamales” and “gallo pinto,” that are sold by street vendors.
In conclusion, Costa Rica’s Independence Day is a time of reflection, celebration, and unity for the people of this small but resilient nation. By participating in the traditional celebrations and activities, both locals and visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for Costa Rica’s history and culture, while enjoying the festive atmosphere and solidarity that define this special day. Whether you’re watching a parade, dancing to traditional music, or simply enjoying a delicious meal with friends and family, Independence Day in Costa Rica is an experience not to be missed. Viva Costa Rica! Viva la Independencia.
U.S. State Department Link for more info about Costa Rica
September 15th is el Día de la Independencia in Costa Rica, the 202nd anniversary of the nation’s separation from Spain, on September 15th, 1821. Costa Rica shares this national holiday with Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
The national holiday is marked by patriotic parades, the hoisting of the flag and performances by local students.
Although the United Provinces had separated into El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica by 1839, Costa Rica did not formally declare its independence until August 30, 1848.
U.S. Recognition of Costa Rican Independence, 1849.
Costa Rica notified the United States of its independence on September 5, 1848. On April 24, 1849, Ephraim G. Squier, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Guatemala, was given full powers to negotiate commercial and other matters with Costa Rica.
15 Things to Know about Costa Rica Independence Day
September is all about Costa Rica’s Independence Day on Sept. 15.
For the Mes de la Patria, or “Month of the Nation,” businesses, homes and even cars are festooned with blue, white and red Costa Rican flags, banners and decorations commemorating a month full of colorful celebrations.
Although Sept. 15 is the day when independence was declared in Central America, it took a month for the news to arrive in Costa Rica – on Oct. 13 – because the messenger had to travel by horseback from Guatemala with the official notice.
Every year, a symbolic independence torch travels from Guatemala to Costa Rica’s colonial capital of Cartago, east of San José, arriving on Sept. 14. Like the Olympic torch, the independence torch is carried across the Central American countries in a relay by runners.
On the evening of Sept. 14, Costa Rica begins its big celebration in every town across the country with a traditional nighttime lantern parade (Desfile de Faroles) by schoolchildren. Kids carry colorful homemade paper and wooden “lanterns” (nowadays with LED lights) in the shape of houses and other objects in a reenactment of the 19th-century journey that brought the message of independence to Costa Rica.
School marching bands, color guards and folkloric dancers parade through nearly every town on the morning of Sept. 15. Schoolchildren practice for several months in preparation. Traditional foods are usually sold by street vendors.
Costa Rica traditional clothing for men is usually white cotton pants and a white button-up shirt with a red sash belt, a red handkerchief tied at the neck, and a straw hat. Women wear long, flowing, vivid multi-colored skirts in layers, with a white, ruffled, sleeveless blouse (usually embroidered or with ribbons), a choker band necklace, and their hair pulled up in complicated braids or a bun and decorated with a big flower.
- Costa Rica’s national anthem was originally created in 1853, with the music composed by Manuel María Gutiérrez, but it wasn’t until 1900 that the current lyrics were added by José María Zeledón Brenes.
- Costa Rica is a democratic and peaceful country and has not had an army since 1948.
- Costa Rica’s national flag is striped blue, white, red, white and blue. The color blue signifies the sky, white is for peace, and red is for the warmth and courage of the Costa Rican people.
- There have been eight versions of Costa Rica’s flag since it was first created in 1823. The current version has been in place since 1964.
- The National Seal of Costa Rica features three green volcanoes representing the nation’s three principal mountain ranges, a distinct Central Valley, the two oceans of the Pacific and Caribbean that border the nation, and merchant ships that symbolize commerce and the country’s maritime history. A rising sun represents Costa Rica’s prosperity, and the seven stars in the sky are for the country’s seven provinces. Two myrtle branches, above the words “Republica de Costa Rica”, symbolize Costa Rica’s peaceful nature. The seal is framed in gold with small circles that represent coffee, known in Costa Rica as “golden beans”.
Article by Shannon Farley
National Anthem Lyrics –https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_anthem_of_Costa_Rica
Noble fatherland! Your beautiful flag
shows us the expression of your life;
under the limpid blue of your sky,
white and pure, rests peace.
In the tenacious struggle, of fecund labour,
that reddens the man’s face;
your children, simple farmhands, conquered
𝄆 eternal prestige, esteem and honour. 𝄇
Hail, oh gentle land!
Hail, oh mother of love!
When someone intends to tarnish your glory,
you will see your people, brave and virile,
the rustic tool into a weapon transform.
Hail, oh fatherland! Your prodigal soil
gives us sweet warmth and sustenance;
under the limpid blue of your sky,
may work and peace always live!
Great Article from Tico Times regarding Costa Rica Independence Day – Click Here
Although Independence Day is on September 15, celebrations commence before this official day. On the evening of September 14, you will hear far and wide admiration for the country through the national anthem being sung in the homes and streets while broadcast on television and radios. The country becomes united in this moment of patriotism all with the same heartfelt sentiments as they sing of the country’s flag, hardworking people, and honor.
The flag plays an important role in the day being raised in honor of Costa Rica’s Independence Day and is predominant throughout the parades of the day. The colors are strong and vibrant like its people.
- Red represents the generosity of the nation’s citizens as well as the blood shed to defend the country.
- White symbolizes peace.
- Blue symbolizes the color of the sky as well as the continued perseverance and opportunities, the idealism of the country and its people.
These colors and their meanings are hoisted with dignity and pride, and carried throughout the main streets and towns by children.
Written by Robin J. Lambrecht
PURA VIDA
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