Guanacaste Day is one of the most important national holidays in Costa Rica, explicitly celebrated in the province of Guanacaste. The holiday commemorates the annexation of the Guanacaste province from Nicaragua on July 25, 1824. The majority of Guanacaste's citizens decided to become a part of Costa Rica voluntarily due to economic and cultural ties.
The holiday is a glorious occasion filled with various vibrant cultural expressions. The most common activities during Guanacaste Day include traditional Costa Rican music, folk dances, parades, and bullfights, often taking place in local parks. Many people wear traditional Guanacaste costumes and join in the 'Guanacaste Day Parade'. Schools and organizations also hold different entertaining activities and artistic presentations.
Guanacaste Day, ultimately, is not just about the annexation, but also an enthusiastic celebration of the region's rich heritage and unique traditions. People also honor the 'sabanero' (country) culture, which is characterized by the remarkable hospitality, cowboy traditions, and agricultural roots of the province. Guanacaste Day hence mirrors the resilience and unity of the people in Guanacaste and their unwavering affection towards their homeland.