July 4 it is not, but who can compete with the Americans and their fireworks! Independence day in Guancaste is a rather quiet affair. It starts with a torch lit parade and flame being carried from Gautamala in the north to Panama in the south since they all central American countries received their independence from Spain at the same time. We had some runners from school take turns running with the torch which carries on a long tradition. Kids at schools all over Costa Rica make their special baskets to carry their personal torches and proudly carry it to their parties the night before independence. In fact, since it is the rainy season, we were very lucky not to have any rain so the kids were able to light their candles and parade around outside the school.
On the morning of the 15th, there are school drum bands in every small town with the usual festivities of candy floss, jumping on a trampoline and lots of fun, all served in a very low key way. Everyone for miles around line the roads as they watch the parades or ride their bicycles and sound their horn. One never hears a horn in Costa Rica unless it is the 15th of September and then the country stops at 6 pm to sing the National Hymn.
When I mentioned to a colleague the whole thing was rather underwhelming, he pointed to a shack by the side of the road and said, what do you expect? they would rather spend their money on more important things like food!
No comments:
Post a Comment