Costa Rica’s National Anthem
In 1852, Costa Rica had just declared its independence from Spain and would soon need to defend itself from American imperialists. During a relative political lull, Juan Manuel Mora Porras, Costa...
View ArticleCosta Rica v. Nicaragua: Border Dispute Resolved
For the past four years, Costa Rica and Nicaragua have been embroiled in a dispute over the San Juan River, which runs between the two countries. Fishermen, tour boat operators and pleasure boaters...
View ArticlePilgrimage, the Modern Way
For the past 227 years, thousands of Costa Ricans have made an annual pilgrimage to the Basilica of Cartago, where they visit the statue of the Virgin of the Angels (Virgen de los Angeles), popularly...
View ArticleQuince de Septiembre
September 15 is Costa Rican independence day, and the entire country will join in the celebrations. Costa Rica received its independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. Before becoming independent,...
View ArticleThe Blue-and-White Mystery
One of Costa Rica’s most prevalent and iconic symbols is the traditional house, or “casa típica.” Visitors to Costa Rica will see houses of this type on hundreds of postcards, in paintings, and in...
View ArticleColumbus Day Complexity
Costa Ricans, like Americans, have historically celebrated Columbus Day on October 12. Originally, the subtext of those celebrations was that Christopher Columbus (known as Cristóbal Colón) had brought...
View ArticleThe Past, in Architecture
In the past fifteen years, Costa Rica has witnessed the same kind of building boom that has affected many other parts of the world, often with depressing results. In Costa Rica, new construction has...
View ArticleCosta Rica, in Haiku
Costa Rica has long inspired literary and artistic tributes to its natural beauty and charming lifestyle. Painters and poets, enchanted by Costa Rica’s history and its people, create great artistic...
View ArticleHappy Independence Day!
Costa Rica celebrates its independence today. Enjoy this rendition of the Costa Rican national anthem, played by the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica. Read more about Costa Rican independence...
View ArticleMaking Her Rounds
It’s romería time again, and the streets from San José to Cartago have been filled with pious pilgrims making their way to the Basílica in Cartago. Most have made a promise to La Negrita, the patron...
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