If you are planning to visit or relocate to Costa Rica, you might be wondering what to expect. What are the people like? What are their customs? Costa Rica culture is easy to adjust to as they are a relaxed, friendly people. In fact in a study done in 2009 by the New Economics Foundation, Costa Rica was named the happiest country in the planet. The study used life expectancy, life satisfaction and ecological footprint to measure countries overall happiness. Their culture reflects that happiness. Here are several things to keep in mind about Costa Rica culture.
Costa Rican culture, like many Latin American cultures reflects their Spanish Heritage. There are also large Jamaican and Chinese populations in the country which help to shape the culture. Much of the artwork and traditional clothing is also influenced by the indigenous population, of which there are still small groups in remote areas of the country. Costa Ricans enjoy many national festivals where they don traditional folk dress and perform dances. Many of these celebrate Costa Rica’s rise to independence and how the nation has formed. The festival of the annexation of Nicoya is celebrated on July 25. The main festival is in the town of Nicoya, in what is now the province of Guanacaste. The streets are filled with thousands of spectators. Street vendors are out selling specialty Costa Rican drinks and foods, there are horse parades with special trotting shows, and Mascaradas. Mascaradas (also called Gigantas) are large puppet-like costumes depicting mythical characters. Their heads are larger than life, and the person inside stands on stilts!
If you’d like to see some real Costa Rica culture in action, plan a visit during the festival of the annexation. Nicoya is only about an hour away from some of the country’s best beaches. The province of Guanacaste is one of the best tourist destinations, with easy access to some of the highest speed internet, and top luxury hotels in the country. Come to Costa Rica to see a celebration put on by the happiest people in the world.
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