Costa Rican Independence Day

If you're looking for a bit of Costa Rican culture on your vacation to this central american country, then try and be around on the 15th September. This is Costa Rica Independence day, is celebrated over three days and signifies Independence from Spain in 1821.

In the evening before the 15th, there was a lovely procession of all the children within the community (from toddlers to teenagers) whom attend all the local schools. They have all created beautiful lanterns, some of which have clearly been crafted over weeks and days (with a little help from mum or dad). These are then filled with tea lights and they walk from dusk to the Santa Teresa soccer field (or football field to all my fellow English readers) with drummers and dancers too. The evening fiesta lasted for hours with local foods, more singing and lots of socialising. 

The following day we had another procession through Cobano, with more of the wider community and there was even a bank holiday on the Friday too. Festivities are always around families with dancing, local flavours of music and good food.