Costa Rica is getting ready for Independence Day!
The sound of drums and lyres in educational institutions across the country, announce the arrival of the Independence Day in Costa Rica. September 15, 1821 is the day when independence arrived to Costa Rica in the form of a letter and from that moment celebrations are held every year.
The torch of freedom is brought from Nicaragua by young students and arrives to Cartago, Costa Rica on September 14 every year, that same day at 6pm the National Anthem is sung by all Costa Ricans. This marks the beginning of independence celebrations.
Independence celebrations begin on September 14 with the “Desfile de Faroles” (Lanterns Parade), where everyone can participate and the only requirement is to bring a customary paper lantern (made out of paper and candles), which can be purchased in any local souvenir store for just USD$5-10. The initiator of this tradition was Dolores Bedoya who in 1821 ran across the streets of Guatemala proclaiming liberty and encouraging people to gather at the “plaza” in front of the deputations. Because at that time there was no electricity, people were lighting they way to the Plaza with “Faroles” and that’s how the tradition started.
During September 15, Bands Parades can be found in every province of the country all day long. There is no way to escape from the celebration, even if you are not a Costa Rican, you will feel mesmerized by the local traditions.
Independence Parade
One of the most anticipated parades takes place in San Jose downtown near the Central Park and it’s basically a band competition where the best bands are awarded. This makes the parade especially interested to the spectators. Definitely a celebration you don’t want to miss!
How Costa Rica became independent?
The independence process was very complex in Central America. The conflict of economical and political interests between Central Americans and the Spanish community was one of the causes of the independence.
Before 1821 Costa Rica and the rest of the Central American countries were considered just Spanish provinces (or an extension of the Spanish Empire) by the rest of the world.
Costa Rica found out about its independence on October 30, 1821. As a new and independent country, Costa Rica had to rapidly create an organizational plan and for that purpose was created the “Pacto de Concordia” (or Pact of Concord).
Once freedom came it was also time for important decisions. Costa Rica had to decide between establish its own government and institutions, or join the Mexican empire of Agustin de Iturbide. This decision led to the first civil war, which became known as the War of Ochomogo. Finally in 1823 a decision was taken and Costa Rica became independent.
During the government of Braulio Carrillo in 1834 the country organized the government’s finances. Regulations, taxes on economic activities and several government institutions were created. Costa Rica began to expand its market selling products abroad with coffee as its main asset. Better roads were built and a national currency was established to facilitate the exchanges with other countries.
