Celebrating 203 Years of Freedom: Costa Rica's Month-Long Independence Day Festivities

Costa Rica’s Independence Day is more than just a single day of celebration; it is a month-long festival that takes place each year in September, culminating in the joyous commemoration of the country's freedom from Spanish rule on September 15, 1821. This year, Costa Rica celebrates its 203rd anniversary of independence, a time marked by vibrant traditions, deep historical significance, and nationwide unity. It is a celebration shared with neighboring Central American countries, including Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, all of which declared their independence together on this historic day.

Month of the Nation

The month of September is known as “Mes de la Patria” or the “Month of the Nation,” during which Costa Ricans embrace their patriotic spirit with immense pride. Homes, businesses, and even cars are adorned with the national flag and banners, transforming the country into a sea of red, white, and blue. This visual display of national pride sets the tone for the month’s activities, reminding everyone of Costa Rica’s rich history and the values that continue to unite its people.

Tradition of the Freedom Torch

One of the most cherished traditions during this time is the 'Freedom Torch,' which symbolizes the spread of independence news throughout Central America. Each year, starting on September 14, the torch is relayed from Guatemala to Cartago, Costa Rica’s former capital, in a journey that retraces the path taken in 1821 when the news of independence was carried across the region. The torch is passed from town to town, hand to hand, by selected students, and when it reaches its final destination in Costa Rica, it is used to ignite a cauldron as a powerful symbol of freedom. This iconic event brings communities together, bridging generations as children and adults alike participate in this moving tradition.

Lantern Parade

The night before Independence Day, families take to the streets for the ‘desfile de faroles,’ or the lantern parade, which is one of the most picturesque and heartwarming events of the celebration. Children, having spent weeks preparing, proudly carry lanterns they’ve crafted themselves, depicting elements of Costa Rican life such as homes, churches, oxcarts, and wildlife. These lanterns, illuminated by candles or LEDs, light up the streets, symbolizing the hope and freedom won by the nation centuries ago. This tradition, started in 1953 by Professor Víctor Manuel Ureña, has since evolved into an integral part of Costa Rican culture, reflecting the unity and joy that come with being a free nation.

Roots of this Celebration 

The historical roots of this celebration date back to September 15, 1821, when representatives from the Central American region gathered in Guatemala City to decide their fate. While debates over independence took place, Maria Dolores Bedoya, a spirited Guatemalan woman, rallied a crowd outside the palace, igniting a jubilant atmosphere with music and fireworks. This public display of support played a pivotal role in pushing for the signing of the Act of Independence, freeing the region from Spanish colonial rule.

Celebrating the importance of Family

Independence Day in Costa Rica is also very much a family-centered event. Throughout the month, children are at the forefront of the celebrations, engaging in various activities that foster a sense of connection to their heritage. They decorate their homes, rehearse for school performances, and eagerly participate in parades that honor the nation’s history. These festivities serve as a reminder of the importance of family, community, and the simple pleasures of life.

This Year's Theme: "the fire of the Fatherland invites us to be light"

This year's celebrations will echo with the theme, "El fuego de la Patria nos invita a ser luz" or "the fire of the Fatherland invites us to be light." As Costa Ricans take to the streets, they chant proudly, "No escogí nacer en Costa Rica, simplemente tuve la bendición" ("I didn’t choose to be born in Costa Rica, I simply had the blessing") and "Dichosa la madre costarricense que sabe, al dar a luz, que su hijo nunca será soldado" ("Blessed is the Costa Rican mother who knows, when giving birth, that her son will never be a soldier"). These powerful expressions reflect the nation's love for peace and unity.

Join in This Years Celebration of Pura Vida! 

As Costa Rica celebrates its 203rd anniversary of independence, the country invites everyone, locals and visitors alike, to participate in the joyous festivities that honor its past and celebrate its bright future. It is a time of reflection, connection, and national pride, with every corner of the nation lit up in celebration of freedom and the enduring values of Pura Vida.

Disclaimer: Some of the images featured in this article were generously provided by local photographer Fotógrafo Urbano. If you're interested in hiring Deivid Jimenez for photography services, you can reach out to him through his Facebook page: Fotógrafo Urbano