September is a particularly meaningful month for Costa Rica and several other Latin American countries. On September 15, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua celebrated 205 years of independence from Spain, commemorating a historic moment in 1821 that marked the beginning of a new chapter for Central America. Mexico and Chile also celebrate important national holidays during September, making it a month filled with patriotic festivities, cultural traditions, and national pride across much of the region.
In Costa Rica, Independence Day is one of the country's most cherished celebrations, bringing communities together through traditional music, folkloric dances, torch runs, lantern parades, and, of course, plenty of local food.
And although September has already come to an end, we wanted to look back and share a little of how we celebrated this special occasion here in Town.
On Monday, September 14, Las Catalinas welcomed collaborators, local businesses, and visitors for a day dedicated to Costa Rican traditions, with one of the highlights being the traditional Independence Torch Run. Collaborators from Las Catalinas and the Town's businesses joined together to carry the torch from Potrero to Las Catalinas, continuing a beloved tradition that symbolizes the journey of the news of Central America's independence in 1821.
The celebration continued at Plaza Mercado, where a folkloric dance group from Tempate joined us for the afternoon, bringing traditional Costa Rican dances and colorful costumes to Town. A live marimba ensemble accompanied the festivities, filling the plaza with the familiar sounds of one of Guanacaste's most beloved musical traditions.
And, of course, no Costa Rican celebration would be complete without traditional food! Everyone was invited to enjoy a selection of local favorites, including gallos de picadillo de papa, horchata, coffee, and cajetas. Collaborators and visitors alike gathered to share a meal, enjoy the performances, and take part in the celebration.
It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Costa Rican culture and keep these traditions alive, bringing together the people who work in, visit, and enjoy Town for an afternoon of music, food, and shared national pride.