Saturday September 15, 2023. 

Viva Costa Rica 

Every year, on September 15th, Costa Rica comes alive with vibrant celebrations that commemorate a significant event in its history - the signing of the Act of Independence of Central America in 1821. This event marked the end of Spanish rule and laid the foundation for the nations we know today as Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and finally, Costa Rica. 

 Central America's Journey to Independence

Unlike many other nations in the Americas, Central America's path to independence was peaceful. It gained momentum after the French occupation of Spain in 1808, which caused political turmoil in the Iberian Peninsula and gave rise to various popular resistance groups known as “juntas”. These groups established a clandestine Spanish government and enacted the Constitution of 1812, which had a direct impact on the entire region. The journey to independence had its beginnings in 1811 when priests José Matías Delgado and Nicolás Aguilar attempted to seize weapons stored at a fortress in San Salvador. This initial movement was followed by revolts in Nicaragua, the Belén Conspiracy, and other movements from 1814 to 1821. 

The pivotal moment came on September 15, 1821, when a historic meeting took place between colonial authorities and a junta composed of religious leaders and the “‘criollos’ (Americans of Spanish origin)”. This gathering marked the end of Spanish rule in the former Captaincy of Guatemala, encompassing the territories of Chiapas (now in Mexico) and the republics of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. 

Celebrating 196 Years of Independence

This year, Costa Rica celebrates its 196 years as an independent country with a burst of patriotism and vibrant festivities. A symbolic independence torch is transported by runners from Guatemala to Costa Rica’s colonial capital of Cartago, east of San José, to reenact how news of the independence declaration spread throughout the country. Parades, bands, lanterns, folk dances, ox carts, and traditional foods fill the streets in towns across the country, including the Costa Rican Independence Day celebrations held today at Las Catalinas. Enjoy a national holiday and a celebration full of the rich and colorful traditions of Central American culture for the whole family. Long Live Costa Rica!