189th Independence Day

 History

Today, September 15th marks the 189 Independence day for Costa Rica. In fact, all of Central America gained it's independence from Spain on this day. Spanish presence in Costa Rica began when Christopher Columbus discovered it in 1502. He described it as containing great wealth. He claimed he had seen, “more gold in two days than in four years in Espanola”(Vorhees & Firestone, Lonely Planet Costa Rica pg.36). Hence giving it the name Costa Rica (Rich Coast).

It was not until 1821 that Central America finally gained its independence from Spain.

There is a rather funny story to the independence of Costa Rica. Most Spanish colonies failed in Costa Rica due to its difficult jungles and many volcanoes. In fact it was regarded by the Spanish as the, “poorest and most miserable in all the Americas” (Vorhees & Firestone, Lonely Planet Costa Rica pg.36). This was of course very different from what Columbus had originally claimed it to be.

A beach on the east cost of Costa Rica, near where Christopher Columbus landed

This is a picture we took of Volcano Arenal this summer. ( One of Costa Rica's many volcanoes)

A picture we took of a Costa Rican river.

  While all other Central American countries were celebrating their independence, Costa Rica went on with their day very much unaware of their own independence! In fact it was not until a full month later that Costa Rica “learned” of its own independence. This is evidence of it’s extremely passive nature as well as lack of strong Spanish presence.

Celebrations

Independence day is very important for most Central American countries and it is celebrated in a very unique way. Although, most Central American countries claim their festivities to be special and different with great meaning behind it, all Central American countries celebrate with incredibly similar celebrations.

The celebrations begin with the sound of the beating of drums several months before September. This is because the school children have begun practicing for their big march through town. On September 14th the actual festivities begin. It all starts with the "Freedom Torch". This is in its essence a giant relay race. The freedom torch is run from Guatemala all the way to Cartago, Costa Rica. It typically arrives at its destination in Costa Rica around 6pm (ish). The symbolism of the freedom torch is also further accentuated by a parade of lights/lanterns (called Farols). This consists of handmade lanterns made by children often as a school project.The lanterns are carried from one particular point in town all the way to each towns central park.

Once everyone has reached the Central Park of each town, there is a great party. This typically involves a message from the mayor, live music, various student performances and ends in fire works.

The following morning on the 15th, celebrations include a several hour parade. This parade is not the typical parade we think of as North Americans. The parade involves every school (preschool-university). The kids are all dressed in uniform (typically blue dress pants and white button up shirts) and march down the street (similar to soldiers). They march to drums, cymbals and marimbas. Occasionally, certain schools include a typical dance or special performance along with their marching band of students. Costa Ricans take particular pride in this event because they claim it symbolizes their lack of an army and importance on children and education instead. (Interestingly, all the other Central American countries also celebrate with the exact same parade, children are even dressed in the exact same uniform country to country. Costa Rica is the only country that does not have an army.)

 Sujaylin (girl) we work with in La Carpio. This is the farol we helped her make this year. A small candle is lit inside and the light glows through a series of windows cut into the castle.

We are so grateful to serve in these beautiful countries and we wish them a very happy Independence day! Our prayer is that Central America will experience great growth in the next coming years. We also pray for improved solutions against crime and violence that have ravaged these countries for far too long.

May God bless Costa Rica as well as all of Central America!