Las Catalinas has been feeling especially lively these past two weeks. With local schools on break, families have filled Town, sunbathing on the beach, swimming in Playa Danta’s gentle waves, picnicking or hanging out on the sand, swinging and balancing on the ropes in front of the beach, playing by the fountain, and soaking up these warm and playful July days.
And next week, the energy will continue with one of Guanacaste's most meaningful holidays: La Anexión del Partido de Nicoya, celebrated each year on July 25th.
This date commemorates the moment in 1824 when the region known as the Partido de Nicoya chose to voluntarily become part of Costa Rica. At the time, it was a colonial administrative district. Today, it makes up a large part of what is now the province of Guanacaste. The decision was peaceful and guided by the phrase De la patria por nuestra voluntad (Part of the homeland by our own will). It has become a national symbol of unity, civic pride, and Guanacastecan identity.
As you may know, Las Catalinas is located in the Costa Rican province of Guanacaste, a region known for its vibrant culture, natural beauty, and strong sense of community. This is why, to mark the occasion, we’ll gather in Plaza Danta on Wednesday, July 24th, from 4:00 to 8:30 PM for a special cultural celebration full of music, dance, and traditional flavors.
Live performances include a street parade, folk dance groups from the region, a student band from Cartagena, and the Marimba Orchestra El Tempisqueño. You can check the itinerary in the image below.
Ponciana and Celeste will serve a variety of local Costa Rican food, from arroz de maíz and tamal asado to resbaladeras and chicheme. If you've never tried this, this is your time to do so. It ranges from salty to sweet, based mainly on corn and is comida típica you should not miss out on.
We warmly invite visitors, residents, and anyone who wants to celebrate this special day to join us. Together, we honor the decision made 200 years ago that allows us to enjoy this beautiful province today, a place that hosts the culture, life, and ecosystem we love and cherish so much.