Costa Rica’s rich traditions and costumes can be experienced throughout the year in its myriad of different settings, from the vibrant Caribbean, going through the timeless mountain villages, all the way to the iconic and sprawling Guanacaste outback. In September, however, they all get the spotlight during the celebration of the national Independence Day.

Showcases of band ensembles, lantern parades, and folk dance and music all fill the cultural agenda of ticos during the month, bursting into the streets and public spaces with a palpable sense of national pride through the banners of red, white and blue.

A particularly cherished tradition during this time is the aforementioned desfile de faroles, where children and their families take to the streets with homemade lanterns, a symbolic tribute to a lantern-lit rally supporting independence in Guatemala during 1821. These colorful and school-crafted lanterns are accompanied by traditional music and the beating drums of school bands.The night of September 14 also marks the arrival of the torch of independence, a symbol of the journey the news of independence took across Central America. Passed in relay fashion by students, the torch travels from Guatemala to Costa Rica, concluding its journey in Cartago, the former capital, where it lights a cauldron to mark the end of the night’s festivities.

Beyond the celebrations specifically around Independence Day, this time of the year in Costa Rica marks a great example of the many layers that compose the country’s pura vida ethos. It’s not only about the scenic natural beauty and the laid back tropical vibe, but also the ways diverse cultural and popular expressions bring families and communities together through shared heritage. Be it as an expat looking to delve deeper into the local way of life, or a tico urbanite looking to revisit their immediate context, there’s no better time than this to do so.

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