Independence Day in Costa Rica is one of the most significant holidays in the country and is celebrated annually on September 15th. This day commemorates the sovereignty and freedom of Costa Rica and other Central American countries from Spanish rule in 1821. It is a public holiday and is marked by widespread patriotic demonstrations and traditional celebrations across the country.
The festivities for Independence Day in Costa Rica usually kick off the night before, on September 14th, with a spectacular lantern parade known as the Desfile de Faroles. The lanterns, typically hand-crafted by school children, represent the freedom torch that was carried from Guatemala to Costa Rica. It’s a symbolic representation of Costa Rica’s refusal to live under foreign control and their fight for independence.
On the day itself, ‘El Grito de la Independencia’ (The Shout of Independence), is proudly echoed across Costa Rica, accompanied by flag-raising ceremonies, traditional music, dancing, and parades. These parades usually involve students from local schools donned in traditional clothes and horse-riders parading down the streets. Different regions may celebrate with their unique traditions, such as bullfights and rodeo performances. Despite regional variations in celebrations, the underlying sentiment of Costa Rican patriotism and pride remain firmly intact during this special holiday.