Costa Rica’s special 200th Independence Day Celebration

Retired expats should know its importance

On September 15th Costa Rica will be holding a special bicentennial celebration. Costa Rica gained independence on September 15, 1821, as a result of the Mexican War of Independence that lasted from 1810 until 1821. The country never had to fight for its independence, since Guatemala declared the independence of all countries in Central America on this historic date.

Although Sept. 15th is the day when independence was declared in Central America, it took a month for the news to arrive in Costa Rica – on Oct. 13 – because a messenger had to travel by horseback from Guatemala with the official notice. Unlike other countries in the Americas, there was no war for independence in Central America.

However, Costa Rica did not actually become an independent nation until 1838 when the Federation Republic of Central America was disbanded.

Costa Rica’s Independence Day is it’s the most important holiday. Ticos (Costa Ricans) commemorate this important day starting on the 14th with parties, many parades, food, music and the traditional carrying of the Torch of Liberty (la antorcha de la libertad) across the country. On the night of the 14th there is a lantern parade called el Desfile de los faroles where many young children crowd the streets with hand-made lanterns that are a symbol of freedom.

One of the most impressive events is when Costa Ricans all around the country stop whatever they are doing and sing the National Anthem (el himno nacional) in unison at 6:00pm on September 14th.

This year’s celebration is special since it marks the 200th year bicentennial of Costa Rica’s independence form Spanish rule. A show called Costa Rica Vive el Bicentenario (Costa Rica lives its 200 years of Independence) will be organized by the Municipality of San José and held in the National Stadium. The municipality will go all out or “Echar la casa por la Ventana”, as we say in Spanish.

The highlights of this spectacle will feature 500 drones, and a show with 750 participants including actors, acrobats, dancers and the National Symphonic orchestra. This event will be similar to the magnitude of the closing ceremonies of the Tokyo Olympics held earlier this year.