Cultural Events

If you want to see the true spirit of festivity, then Costa Rica is surely the place for you. No one can beat the Ticos when it comes to celebrating New Year, Easter or any other festive occasion. With the American cultural traits slowly penetrating into their lives, the Ticos are gradually functioning according to such foreign influences. But this does not mean they are leaving behind to their own cultural diversities. The young especially generation is torn between the desires to adapt to American culture and the compulsion to nurture their Costa Rican roots.

Even then, they are not able to overrule conservatism from their life. The family is an integral part of their life. Both their life and culture are strongly influenced by it. Though the number of single mothers is high, they tend to their traditional values. Tradition is the epicenter of their lives from birth to death. So when a new baby is born in the family, baptizing the baby becomes a priority. Similarly, cultural norms are equally practiced at other social events like engagements, weddings and at funerals. Not only the immediate family members, but also the extended members of the family largely participate in these events. The bond between the members of the family is very strong and none of the members can even think of leaving home until they are married.

And when it comes to religious celebrations, nothing can curb the enthusiasm of the Ticos. The main religious celebrations in the life of the Costa Ricans are the Easter and the Christmas celebrations. As the Costa Ricans are not religiously inclined towards Catholicism, their festivities differ from others in some respects. It is a strange blend of religious celebration and parties.

During Easter, the Costa Ricans usually prefer to have a good time. Most of them just relax or even go to the beaches to chill out. The more conventional ones however participate in masses and processions. Whatever they do, it is taken for granted that normal life would remain paralyzed from Thursday to Monday. So taking stock of food and goods is always a better idea. It is quite a normal phenomenon for transportation services to remain disrupted in these days. So traveling far during these days might not be a very good idea.

The situation is almost same during the Christmas and New Year. Prior to the New Year, ‘partying hard’ is foremost in the minds of the Costa Ricans. They love to kick start the new year with a lot of beer drinking and horse shows. Carnival events are also part of these New Year festivities. However there are several other Ticos who consider New Year celebrations distinctly to be a family affair and celebrate at their homes or churches. Those who want to escape from their daily urban life, head towards the beaches.

Pilgrimage to Basilica de los angles in Cartago city, is another religious celebration, organized in honor of the Virgin of the Angels. Many people from different corners of the country come to this place, to pay their respects to the Virgin. Almost all the Ticos have strong faith in the Virgin and some even walk for several days and weeks to reach their destination, to pay their homage to the Virgin.

Partying might be the buzz word for the Costa Ricans. But it does not mean something apart from the family. Partying along with the family members is something the Costa Ricans enjoy thoroughly, with equal enthusiasm. This enhances cultural ties and family unity. So come what may, whether it is the festivities or the sad demise of a relative, the life of the Ticos revolves round their families. Whatever may be the circumstances, nothing can break this bond. It is something eternal and will live as long as the land of Costa Rica exists.