September 15, otherwise known as Costa Rican Independence Day or
el quince de setiembre, is just around the corner. And with it, there will be celebration. There will be marching bands. There will be horns, and whistles, and batons – and a downpour of all things blue, white, and red.
There will be pride. There will be joy. There will be a full day-and-a-half of national fun and ecstatic fun. It's Costa Rican Independence Day!
- Our Independence Was (Relatively) Peaceful
Costa Rica's penchant for peace dates back much further than 1948, when we abolished our army. In fact, the Spanish Constitution of 1812 declared Costa Rica an autonomous province, but it wasn't until 1821, after the Mexican War of Independence – in which Costa Rica didn't fight – that Guatemala and the Central American Congress, via the Act of Independence, officially declared Central America free of Spain.
Fun fact: Though the war ended in September, Costa Rica didn't learn of its independence until October 1821, when the Independence Act arrived in Cartago. A
second fun fact: Due to the nature of Central American independence, Costa Rica shares its September 15 celebrations with Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua.
- But Costa Rica Didn't Become a Nation Until 1838
After independence, the newly freed provinces formed the Federal Republic of Central America. It wasn't until 1838 that, due to problems within the federation, Costa Rica separated from the Republic and became a completely independent nation.
- Costa Rica's Flag is Blue, White and Red
Yes, in that order: blue, white, and red – adopting the French tricolor and loosely reflecting the principles of
liberté, égalité, fraternité (liberty, equality, fraternity):
blue for the sky, opportunity, idealism and perseverance;
white for peace, wisdom and happiness; and
red for warmth, generosity, and the blood of those who fought in defense of Costa Rica.
Fun fact: There have been eight versions of the flag. The blue, white, and red version was adopted in 1848 and the current version, which we detailed above, has flown since 1964.
- And the National Seal is Symbolic, Too
The National Seal, or Coat of Arms, depicts
three green volcanoes, a
Central Valley, the
Pacific Ocean and
Caribbean Sea, and seven stars for
seven provinces.
Merchant ships signify commerce and Costa Rica's maritime history, a
rising sun represents the nation's prosperity, and two myrtle branches symbolize peace. Finally, the sea is surrounded by gold-colored circles to represent coffee, Costa Rica's so-called "golden bean."
Fun fact: Costa Rica has many anthems, among them the National Anthem, the Flag Anthem, and the 15
thof September Anthem. Costa Ricans know them all!
- Every Year, a Symbolic Torch Makes its Way from Guatemala to Costa Rica
Every year, a carefully timed and symbolic torch makes its way from Guatemala to Costa Rica. It is carried by a relay of runners, each passing the torch south until it arrives in Cartago – the first capital of Costa Rica – on September 14.
- Costa Ricans Start Celebrating on September 14
Unsurprisingly, the nation begins its celebrations every September 14 with an after-hours lantern parade, known as the
desfile de faroles. The parade is a particularly important event for schoolchildren, who craft, decorate, and carry homemade, upcycled, and/or store-bought paper lanterns, today illuminated by LED candles.
- And September 15 Is an Even Bigger Celebration
Every year on September 15, the entire country shuts down to enjoy a day of patriotic festivities. There are parades, traditional dress, marching bands, and baton-twirlers – the result of months of preparation by schoolchildren – as well as all other manner of boisterous and jubilant celebration, including traditional street food and fireworks.
The day is nigh, so prepare yourself for the best party of the year! We hope you'll be celebrating it in Tamarindo.
