25th July, a Costa Rican National Holiday
July 25: Anexión de Guanacaste. Commemorates Guanacaste's 1824 entrance into the Costa Rican union.
Before the countries of today actually existed in Central America, there used to be territories that were colonized by the Spaniards. When these territories gained their independence and the countries were being formed, the people of Guanacaste decided to join Costa Rica instead of Nicaragua. This happened 182 years ago. Costa Rica has seven provinces and it's map looks like this today:
To celebrate this day, children wear the Costa Rican traditional outfit (worn by our farmers, 'campesinos'). I found an old picture of three of my cousins dressed in the traditional Costa Rican outfit. From left: Gabriela, Erick and Carmen. Notice the hibiscus flowers in the picture. Girls wear those flowers on their hair that day as part of their costume. That also happens to be the same flower that hindus offer their god Ganesh...who knew?
This holiday will actually be observed on Monday of the following week. Lots of people looking forward to the long weekend ahead.
posted by MasalaMom @ 5:30 AM
3 comments
3 What say? / Que me dicen? - Comments:
Hi mari,
i hope Fabi will also dress up in the traditinal clothes on monday..it must be so nice to attend all the festivals back home..
have fun!
...nidhi
Hi, Nidhi!...
It didn't occur to me to dress Fabi up this time. This holiday was celebrated mostly in schools. Other cultural activities take place around the country and specially in Guanacaste. Some professinal dancers dressed up with traditional outfits and performed typical dances at the airport. Some tourists joined in the fun!
Next Monday when people will have their actual holiday they will probably go on a long-weekend trip (the beach is a common destination).
ahh ok its just a cultural thing and not a peoples festival..
have a great looong weekend!
nidhi
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