When it comes to Costa Rican culture, traditions and common lifestyle it is very rich and versatile. Costa Rican lifestyle carries a heavy influence of Latin American culture.
Costa Rica has a population of about 3.5 million people with a nominal growth rate of nominal 2.3%. Majority of population speaks Spanish. Costa Ricans are often hailed as “Ticos.”
Demographically the country is one of the most homogenous countries in world. As per the statistics from 1989 census the racial distribution was 98:2 between white and black. Earlier some kinds of reservations against darker skinned people did exist but were later abolished for example black people were not allowed to go beyond the Atlantic province of ‘Limon,’ until a reform that came in 1949.
Costa Rican Cultural Lifestyle
The economy of the Costa Rica is mainly driven by tourism, agriculture and electronic exports. Although extreme poverty exists in some pockets of the country, the divide between rich and poor in Costa Rica is not much and majority of population lies in the middle class segment. However, when compared to the other Latin American countries the average income of a Costa Rican is higher than other fellow Latin American.
The Costa Ricans are traditionally conservative and take time to open up to strangers and new ideas. Children of the family traditionally do not leave home until they are married. Costa Ricans are often accused of being passive and slow decision makers by some foreigners. One thing that clearly makes a Costa Rican culture stand out is the hospitality of native Costa Ricans and their love for celebrations of all sorts.
Catholicism dominates the country of Costa Rica. About 90% of Costa Ricans are Catholics.
The virtue of moderation distinguishes the culture of Costa Rica from other countries where the culture is full of extremes and excesses.
The customs of Costa Rica carry a flavor of Spanish, Italian and Jamaican traditions.
Some popular Costa Rican customs are:
Virgen de Los Angeles: This is celebrated on August 2nd in honor of saint “The Virgin of Angeles.”
Semana Santa: Also known as Easter week, this custom is a religious cum family celebration.
Guanacaste: Celebrated on April 11th, it is the day celebrated in honor of the national hero Juan Santa Maria. July 25th is the celebration of the day when the province of Guanacaste became a part of Costa Rica.
El Portal y El Rezo: This is celebrated during Christmas when the birth of Jesus is depicted via scenes and figurines.
Costa Rican cuisine does not have any signature style and are mainly a derivative of culinary styles from Spain, Caribbean and South America. The national dish of Costa Rica is Gallo Pinto which means “spotted rooster.” Interestingly the name has no correlation with the ingredients. Gallo Pinto is a breakfast dish which is a combination of white rice and black beans spiced up with cilantro, garlic, onion and local condiments.
The Costa Rican culture, tradition and lifestyle are very colorful and there is variety of shades in it for some one new to it to enjoy.