Dia de Independencia en Costa Rica

Hoy es el dia de independencia in Costa Rica!

A little bit about how Costa Rica gained its independence and how it is celebrated:

• Guatemala proclaimed their independence from Spain for all Central America on September 15, 1821. Ironically, Costa Ricans didn't find out of their independence status until a month later.


• Following independence, Central America signed the first constitution, the "Pacto de Concordia" and in December of 1821 Costa Rica held its first ever elections.


• In 1856, the American filibuster, William Walker, threatened Costa Rica's independence by attempting to make it a slave colony. Walker and his troops were pushed back by the Costa Rican people's army of 9.000 soldiers and with the lead of Juan Santamaría, defeated Walker.


• Today, Costa Rica is a democratic nation and unlike the Central American nations, army free.

From: http://insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2009/september/14/cr07.htm

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hillary Clinton acknowledged Costa Rica's Independence Day in this statement below:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
September 15, 2009
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY CLINTON

Costa Rica Independence Day

On behalf of the people of the United States, I would like to congratulate the Costa Rican people as they celebrate their 188th Independence Day on September 15. We are united by our shared democratic values and a strong partnership that enhances the security and prosperity of all our people.

On this historic occasion, I want to salute Costa Rica’s strong regional leadership in working to advance human rights and the rule of law, encourage peaceful resolution of conflicts, strengthen democratic institutions, protect the environment, and build greater shared prosperity. The people of Costa Rica have so much to be proud of and to celebrate, and I hope that the Independence Day festivities, especially the nation-wide street light parades, are a great success.

I also want to reaffirm the commitment of the United States to continue working together with Costa Rica to strengthen our partnership and seek new areas of cooperation that will ensure a more peaceful and prosperous future for us all.

From: http://www.america.gov/st/texttrans-english/2009/September/20090915114347eaifas0.6149822.html?CP.rss=true#ixzz0RCV3KWv1

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How do we celebrate?

Back home, Independence Day signifies cook outs, time at the lake, fireworks, and all things red, white, and blue.

In Costa Rica, Independence Day means parades, running torches, fiestas, fireworks, and all things red, white, and blue.

"...The holiday is marked by parades and performances by students in the community. Nearly all celebrations are composed of a parade in which regional schools perform the national anthem, carry the Costa Rican Flag and twirl batons. The parade is a can’t miss event in every community where the main boulevard is lined with people cheering on the youngsters who proudly march past."
From: http://www.monteverdeinfo.com/independence-day-monteverde/

"A torch relay that began on Monday in the northwestern province of Guanacaste ended in Cartago, the old capital east of San José, with the singing of the national anthem. (I actually saw the torch run by when I was in the middle of the break during class on Monday!!!!!)

Early evening Monday, children flooded the streets of areas like the eastern San José neighborhood of San Pedro with candlelit lanterns, a Costa Rican tradition."
Read more here: http://www.ticotimes.net/daily.htm#story1

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today is a happy day (as is every day!) here in Costa Rica!

Check back later today for pictures I took of the parade!!!!