Costa Rica Independence Day

Costa Rica Independence Day honours and celebrates the day Costa Rica and several other Central American nations collectively broke their colonial ties with Spain in 1821. This day holiday is typically marked by a myriad of events and activities, embodying Costa Rica's cultural heritage and patriotic spirit.

The day commemorates the signing of the Act of Independence by the Central American provinces. Costa Rica, along with Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, declared independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. Although news of their independence didn't reach Costa Rica until October, September 15th remains the recognized date for celebration.

The celebration typically includes parades, traditional dance performances, and concerts which fill the streets with forthright joy and gratitude. Perhaps the most symbolic event of the day is when children across the country carry small lanterns, representing the journey of Dolores Bedoya. In 1821, Dolores Bedoya ignited a lantern as she moved through the streets of Guatemala City, encouraging people to support independence. Known as the Desfile de Faroles (Lantern Parade), this tradition is held the night before Independence Day, on September 14th. Costa Rica Independence Day is observed annually on September 15th.