Costa Rica

Jul 24, 2023

Costa Rica is a rugged, rainforested Central American country with coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific. Though its capital, San Jose, is home to cultural institutions like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and biodiversity. Roughly a quarter of its area is made up of protected jungle, teeming with wildlife including spider monkeys and quetzal birds.

MAKING HISTORY!

August 9, 1884, was an unforgettable day for Costa Ricans! This was the day we got electricity. Historians indicate Costa Rica had the first city in Latin America to have electricity and the third city in the world after New York and Paris.On that memorable day, inhabitants of the capital and surrounding cities filled the main streets of the capital, to witness the moment when natural light faded and the streets would be lit.135 years later, Costa Rica continues to make history. This magnificent country, which houses 7% of the world’s biodiversity, has continued to work hard on renewable energy and during the last four years our energy production reached 99% using renewable sources.

COSTA RICAN TRADITIONS: “MASCARADAS Y CIMARRONAS”

Music, legends, expressions, costumes and food are all part of the wonderful culture in Costa Rica. One of the most fun, colourful and even danceable tradition is “Mascaradas and Cimarronas”.“Cimarronas” are small bands that always accompany “Mascaradas”. These bands have wind and percussion instruments and play mainly national music. Nevertheless, their musicians are so skilled and versatile, so they adapt almost any kind of rhythm and song to their performance, including cumbia, merengue and even two step.“Mascaradas” are large masks people wear usually carried on their heads with their bodies covered by the masks clothes to make the characters look very tall. They are made with layers of clay, paper, aluminum, paint and reflect faces of national politicians, athletes and musicians, highlighting their most peculiar characteristics. And an amusing image of the devil is always present too!Typically taking place on special holidays but also for private parties, the onlookers will often dress themselves in colorful clothes and dance along with the Mascaradas. If you visit Costa Rica you will surely enjoy this national tradition. Just ask at our hotel reception to help you find a place where there is a “Mascarada y Cimarrona”!