Independence Day in Costa Rica (15/09)

Independence Day in Central America, including Costa Rica, is celebrated on September 15th. Also on this day, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua celebrate the independence gained on September 15, 1821.

Costa Rica did not fight against the colonial yoke of Spain, but gained independence automatically, thanks to other peoples. But this day is celebrated here with no less fervor than in other countries. Parades and processions are held.

The day before, on September 14 at 6 pm, children and their parents go to school for a procession with flashlights. The national anthem sounds and everyone sings, standing at the counter «peacefully». September 15 — parade.

Due to the fact that there is no army in Costa Rica, children march in the parade. All school and college students take to the main streets of almost every city, town and town in the morning. Each school has its own orchestra, consisting mainly of percussion instruments. Girls dress up «bastoneras» — in paramilitary uniform with short skirts. The best students carry state flags.

All movements are rehearsed in advance. Children are dressed in national clothes: girls in long colorful skirts and with a red flower in their hair, and boys are painted with black mustaches. The entire parade dances, spins and jumps, only those carrying flags walk in a military step. The entire population comes out to watch the parade, everyone greets and photographs their children, grandchildren, brothers or neighbors.

874