In last couple months I had a privilege to experience the celebrations of two public holidays here in Costa Rica. The first one was on 25th July and the other one is today - 15th September. Both accompanied with some interesting traditions. Here is a little bit more information about both and of course some pictures and videos :)
The annexation of Guanacaste Day (25th July)
It's celebrated on 25th July and commemorates the annexation of the province of Guanacaste to Costa Rica. This occurred in 1824 - prior to this year, Guanacaste was part of Nicaragua. Due to the fact that Nicaragua was active in many civil wars at the time, Guanacaste’s inhabitants requested to be annexed to Costa Rica. The Central American Federation approved the annexation; hence Guanacaste became a part of Costa Rica. The ‘Guanacastecos’ (people living in Guanacaste) have always been well identified with Costa Rica and take pride in being a part of this country. This annexation by choice celebrates Costa Rica’s core values of democracy. The Guanacaste Day is celebrated with a nationwide public holiday and bustling celebratory activities and events, especially in the province of Guanacaste. The celebration is comprised by parades, folk dances, typical music, cattle shows and more. Bullfights are also typical of the Guanacaste Day celebration. However, bullfights in Costa Rica are very different than those in Spain. Tico style of bullfighting does not involve killing the animal; it’s all about young unarmed men teasing a bull or cow around a ring for a few minutes. Guanacaste’s streets fill out with handicrafts and typical Costa Rican food like tamales and grilled meat with tortillas. Concerts, fireworks and folk dances are also part of the celebration.
Here are few pictures from my own experience :)
Pictures from Guanacaste
Children wear traditional outfits and have some special activities at school
Celebrating with our women from microfinance site in Los Guido
Costa Rica's Independence Day
Costa Rica’s Independence Day is celebrated on September 15th. It commemorates the independence of the entire Central America from Spain, which took place in 1821. The Independence Day of Costa Rica has been declared an official national holiday in the country and is celebrated with much joy and cheerfulness. The national holiday is marked by raising the National Flag, patriotic parades and the singing of the National Anthem. Even though September 15th is Costa Rica’s official Independence Day, festivities begin on the 14th, with the reenactment of the notification of Costa Rica’s liberation carrying the ‘freedom torch’. At 6pm, the popular ‘faroles’ parade begins – homemade lanterns symbolizing the original freedom torch. Children in traditional costumes perform typical dances and then the fireworks begin. Another important parade takes place on the morning of the 15th. School bands march along with children wearing traditional dresses, dancing at the beat of drums and lyres.
And again...some pictures and videos from today - enjoy! :)
Videos:
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