While I realize this is about a month late, I figure – better late than never right? While taking my bestfriend Brad down to Beach Bums for Happy Hour we came across this awesome parade of children with lanterns for Costa Rican Independence. After asking around about what was going on, I felt relatively daft for not realizing the important day. I should have known from the excess of Costa Rican colors around town (more than normal). Happy way belated September 15!
So here is a quick explanation from Costa Rica Guide about it:
Independence Day—Costa Rica gained independence from Spain on the same day as the rest of Central America in 1821. The nationwide celebration starts with parades, traditional dancers, and street parties and culminates with the arrival of the Freedom Torch in Cartago (delivered from Nicaragua by relay runners) when everyone in the country stops and simultaneously sings the national anthem. Children later enjoy faroles parades where they carry small lanterns through their towns.
Here are a few Instagram pics I grabbed of the kids enjoying their Independence Day:
Great pictures. I found myself in the same predicament when I was in the Bahamas for Junkanoo and didn’t know what they were celebrating 🙂
@Mike: Thank you 😀 I run into that quite a bit. Good thing people are normally pretty nice and will let you know whats up.
Great instagram pics! I like the antique look… it really ads to the atmosphere. Many Latin American countries have their independence days in September. (Thanks Simon Bolivar!)
@Leslie: Thank you! I knew about Sept 16 in Mexico but I had no idea it was the symbolic independence for the entirety of Central America. I think its kinda cool.