Idependence Day, Costa Rican Style

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Friday, September 15th was Independence Day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama and Nicaragua. All of the cantons celebrated with parades of local school children.

We chose to watch the parade in Naranjo, a nearby town instead of our home town of San Ramon as our friend is a director of a school there. We were excited to see our friends marching in our first Independence Day Parade. It was something none of us will soon forget.

We arrived at the central park at 7:30a.m. not knowing what to expect. What we found was a celebration taking place at the school closest to the park. We didn't understand what was going on but the pride in the people participating was evident. Seeing that pride touched my heart. Bill and Callista razzed me unrelentlessly about being so emotional.

We circled the park several times watching as all the different schools from the town began to arrive and assemeble at predetermined locations to prep for the parade. Each school had their own costumes and colors. Their were children from preschool thru high school participating.

Around 10a.m. the parade finally started. So many drums and so little asprin. I didn't understand when friend told me she'd bet there'd be a lot of drums. We felt sorry for all those little ones waiting in the sun for the parade to start as people read speeches and sang the national anthem. Callista and I had to ask Bill to get us an umbrella out of the car as WE couldn't handle the sun anymore.

I turned to look at Bill after a few of the groups had passed just in time to see a tear fall. Ah hah! It touched him too. I don't know if it was the pride parents have at watching their children or if it was pride for their country that we witnessed. I do know that you could feel whatever pride it was in the air. It was contageous.

Next year, we'll fly a flag at our house and participate in the other traditions during the week that lead up to the day of parades. We had seen the running of the torch pass our house but don't now the whole story behind it. We've also learned that at 6pm one night prior to Independence Day lanterns are lit. Any Ticos out there reading who care to enlighten us on all the traditions associated with the day?

I don't know when we turned into active participants instead of the hermits we'd been in the states. Perhaps it's living instead of existing. Costa Rica changes people!

PURA VIDA!
Jen, Bill, Callista and Bear

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Photos

Young participants
These guys were sooooo cute! Boys in red and khaki, girls in polka dots.

Little campasino
Again...tooooo cute! Some of the boys had drawn mustaches on their faces as well.

Callista & I waiting for the parade to start
The sun can be brutal so we've learned to use our umbrella for shade like the locals.

Too Cute!
How could one not take a picture of her?

Sol marching with her school
We rent our house from Sol's parents. They've become awesome friends.

Twirlers
Calli and I really liked the costumes. Amazing how they could march and dance in those heels!

Boy Scouts
Yep, those are girls with them. They don't separate the sexes here. They're all "boy scouts".

Parade watchers
Amazing how many people were out to support the children.

Celebration at the school near the park
We were looking for our friends and stumbled upon this celebration.

Middle school twirlers
Callista really like these costumes!

Traditional Costa Rican costumes
Many of the young children were wearing these dresses.