Culture of Costa Rica
In general, Costa Ricans or Ticos as they are known, are outgoing, have a ready sense of humor, are predominantly Catholic, independent, and friendly but also reserved as their lives are largely centered around their extended families—and local soccer matches!
Celebrations
Throughout the year Costa Ricans have many traditional activities and celebrations. Some of the activities include small country fairs with colorful oxcart processions, horse parades, bull fights (it is illegal to kill bulls in Costa Rica; the bulls are ridden and chased by participants at the event), food sales, rides for small children, traditional “giants” accompanied by a noisy cimarona band, soccer matches, and children’s games.
On August 1st every year, hundreds of thousands of Costa Ricans make an annual pilgrimage to the large Basilica in the eastern city of Cartago as an act of faith. On September 14th, the eve of Independence Day, young children walk with their parents at dusk (6 PM) carrying faroles, or paper lanterns lit with flashlight light bulbs or candles. This is followed the next day with parades of school children carrying flags, banners, and in marching bands.
At special events, one might hear a group of musicians playing a marimba in the background, or at an important party hosts might hire a mariachi band, complete with fancy uniforms and oversized Mexican sombreros! In recent years, high school graduation parties or girl’s 15th birthday parties are celebrated with a vivacious group of samba musicians. In October, in a nod to the community’s strong African roots, the eastern seaport city of Limon has a Carnival celebration that lasts several days. In December, the dark nights are illuminated with colorful strings of street lights and chinamos(temporary stalls), that sell tinsel, lights, decorations, and ornaments for the Christmas holiday. At the stroke of midnight, the New Year is celebrated with parties and lots of fireworks!
Politics
Costa Rica is a nation of peaceful politics: the army was abolished in 1949 in an effort to better finance causes such as health care, education and later, conservation of natural resources. Every four years national elections are held for the president, two vice presidents, and members of congress. There are several parties that present candidates however the majority of votes usually are cast for the two most popular parties.
Food
The Costa Rican diet revolves around a base of rice and beans, fresh fruits and vegetables, and protein sources of beef, chicken, fish, and pork. A very popular breakfast dish is called gallo pinto and is a mixture of rice and beans usually spiced with salt, garlic, peppers, onions, and cilantro. On the east coast, this very popular dish is flavored with coconut milk. This is a reflection of the cooking preferences of its inhabitants of Jamaican heritage and the regional abundance of coconuts. Visitors should make a point of trying the various tropical fruits available in Costa Rica. Near the source, and of different varieties, these fruits are generally vastly superior to most tropical fruits found in northern supermarkets—tropical fruits shipped north are picked green and may spend two weeks or more in transit. Costa Rica produces mangoes, papayas, passion fruits, small flavorful datil bananas, tangy soursop, and very sweet pineapples, among others.
Cultural Experiences
Coffee Tour
Costa Rica is famous for its coffee and has become part of the Costa Rican identity. Costa Rica has a large variety of microclimates and altitudes within short distances, so there are a variety of coffee tours available.
On our Costa Rica coffee tours, visitors will learn about the production from seed to cup. We’ll cover planting, harvesting and roasting of the plants and beans. You will get to experience the art and science of tasting with your own cup of java as well the during the process.
Chocolate Tour
Visitors will have the opportunity to learn interesting aspects of cocoa and chocolate, from its origin and history, participating in all the production process, from the harvesting of the fruit, drying and grinding of the seed, also the developing of the traditional drink of our ancestors, and of course enjoying a high quality organic chocolate. Enjoy this journey through the history, culture, traditions and the flavor.
Dance Lessons
Dance several types of typical dance of the Caribbean area with a professional dancer of Costa Rica or one of their students, follow the story of the Caribbean by dancing Calipso, the rhythm of soca, salsa, merengue, African, Hip-up Hop and Dance Hall today. Be ready to sweat!
Cooking Lessons
The class includes instruction and of course you get to eat the food you prepare! Using fruits and veggies typical to Coastal Talamanca, you will learn to cook in the traditional Caribbean way. This is also an opportunity to spend some time with one of the mothers from our community, Puerto Viejo. Here the Afro-Caribbean folks speak what some call Patios some call a local dialect of English, some call this language Make.
San José City Tour
San Jose is the Capital City of Costa Rica and economic center of the nation. It is currently undergoing a renaissance, with modern high rise buildings emerging, a brand new national stadium, and a new Chinatown section being built. Yet it still retains much of its past multicultural heritage in restored elegant old buildings, museums, historic statues and parks. The Walking City Tour is an intimate and authentic perspective of our capital city and contemporary Costa Rica.
Home Lunches
One of our most exclusives experiences! Visitors can experience a real Costa Rican homemade meal, in the home of our hosts and live a truly unique local experience. Also is a great opportunity to learn how people live and get involved in the local culture.
Farmer’s Market
he farmers’ market, known in Costa Rica as the feria, is a celebrated Costa Rican tradition. Each week farmers sell their freshest produce, offering fruits, vegetables, poultry, meat, fish, cheese, sour cream, and eggs. Medicinal herbs, teas, flowers and jewelry can also be found. Foreigners are sure to receive a warm welcome from the friendly vendors.
