Independence day Celebrations in Costa Rica

About Costa Rica independence day

There is no doubt that Costa Rica has an interesting history, having been invaded and conquered more than once. For many non-natives, this checkered history can be confusing. After all, the country celebrates more than one Independence Day!

In this article, we’re going to talk about the most important one. Costa Rica’s Independence from Spain, took place on September 15, 1821. This year (2022) Costa Rica celebrates 204 years of Independence, and while the official date may be September 15th, the celebrations actually begin on the 14th and run throughout el Mes de la Patria, or “Month of the Nation.”

Enjoying your vacation during el Mes de la Patria will give you a rich cultural experience full of parades, music, and delicious food incliding vegan and vergetarian.

Little Bit of History of Costa Rica

There was no “fight for Independence”. In fact, Spain supported the independence of Central America from Spain. The Act of Independence was signed by the Central American Congress, giving independence to El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica all at the same time.

It took a month for the news to arrive in Costa Rica by messenger, so they didn’t know they were independent until October 13, 1821!

How the Celebrations will affect you:

The celebration begins on the 14th when a symbolic torch is carried from Guatemala. Where originally, word of the country’s independence was brought by a messenger on horseback, today it is carried by a series of relay runners and arrives in the capital city of San Jose in time for the traditional Desfile de Faroles or nighttime lantern parade when children carry handmade paper or wooden lanterns in a variety of shapes and sizes.

• All businesses, banks, and government buildings are closed for the day and the entire population hits the streets to enjoy the party.
• Color Guards, marching bands, and dancers in bright costumes entertain the crowd, while the population wears their traditional clothing. You will see some truly gorgeous hand-embroidered shirts and dresses in bright colors.
• Homes and businesses will be festooned with decorations in red, white, and blue, as well as plenty of flags and streets will be closed to traffic.
• Expect a day-long party outside in the sunshine with plenty of live music and street vendors providing a lavish variety of succulent dishes full of flavor.