Independence Day of Costa Rica

Independence Day of Costa Rica

by Jorge Brenes

Multiple Choice

What is this national simbol?

• Oxcart

• National Flag

• Guaria (Purple country girl)

• Yigüirro: (Clay-colored Trush)

Multiple Choice

What is this national Simbol?

• National Flag

• Oxcart

• Marimba

• Torch

Poll

What are the 3 colors of our national flag?

• White

• Red

• Green

• Blue

​A touch of history

​Costa Rica celebrates Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) on September 15th each year to mark Mexico’s separation from Spain in September of 1821. A few Central American countries (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica), once members of the Mexican Empire, took several more years to separate from Mexico. Costa Rica counts its years of freedom from 1821.

​September 14th torch arrival

​In the days leading up to September 15th, a torch is passed through Central America

from Guatemala to Costa Rica.

There are usually opportunities to see the torch along its journey, including when it

enters Costa Rica via Nicaragua at the border community of Penas Blancas, and when it travels the final leg to Cartago, Costa Rica.

​

​Costa Rica’s national anthem, Noble patria, tu hermosa bandera, (“Noble homeland, your beautiful flag”) is often heard during Independence Day celebrations. Most impressive is when thousands of Ticos (Costa Ricans) all around the country sing the anthem in unison at 6:00pm on September 14th. At the same time, you can also hear the national anthem broadcast on local news and radio stations.

​

​One of Costa Rica’s biggest Independence Day

celebrations is the evening light walk that takes place

on September 14th. This event, known as the Desfile de Faroles, occurs in big cities, medium-size towns, and small communities around Costa Rica. It sees children walk through popular streets with their families holding glowing faroles (lanterns). The walk typically begins a few minutes after 6:00pm (following the singing of the national anthem; see above for more information) and usually lasts an hour. It’s common to see and hear fireworks after the walk, as some individuals choose to extend the celebration well into the night.

 

Open Ended

Lantern parade is celebrated on________

(Desfile de Faroles)

Open Ended

Independence Day is celebrated on________

Open Ended

Costa Rica separated from Spain on the year 18__

Multiple Choice

When do we celebrate the Independence Day in Costa Rica?

• September 14th

• September 15th

• August 12th

• December 24th

Multiple Choice

The torch arrives to Cartago on ...

• September 14th

• September 15th

• August 2nd

• December 24th

Multiple Choice

As part of the celebrations of the Independence Day, Ticos celebrate the 14th a parade of ______

• Christmas simbols

• Disguises

• Faroles

• Pumpkings

Multiple Choice

The Acto Civico to celebrate the Torch Arrival is celebrated on September 14th at ________

• 2pm

• 3pm

• 10pm

• 6pm

Multiple Choice

Parts of the celebrations of September 14th include________

• Fireworks

• Bullfights

• Soccer matches

Open Ended

In your own words write a nice phrase related to the Independe of Costa Rica. See the example below.

"Costa Rica Land of Humble and hard-working People"