Celebrating the Independence of Costa Rica

On Friday September 15th Costa Rica celebrated 196 years of Independent life.  In a country with no army and a great education system this holiday means a big celebration for people of all ages.  

Every single town in the country has a traditional parade with school kids demonstrating their patriotism and their artistic skills in front of the communities where people leave their houses to be part of this important celebration. The parade is full of music, color, tradition and happiness and our Tropical Ecology & Conservation Fall 2017 students wanted to be  part of this cultural experience.

School kids marching with Costa Rican flags, one of the most common scenes during the parade.

Many different schools have their own bands playing music during the parade.

From left to right: Stevie Lennartson (Occidental College), Rachel Blood (Oregon State University), Anika Lindsey (Oberlin College), Raquel Peterson (Whitman College), Lexie Codd (Seattle University), and Cait Barnes (Belmont University) enjoying the parade.

Lots of color in the traditional Costa Rican vestment from the Independence period.

Even the little kids enjoy being part of the traditional parade.

Nick Siebert (Saint John Fisher College) amazed by the Costa Rican Independence parade.

High school students dressed with clothing from different provinces and used for different social activities during the 1820's.

Nora Lazerus (University of Colorado - Boulder), and Maddie Tilyou (University of Pennsylvania) joining the parade and dancing with the traditional Costa Rican mascaradas.