Culture Day in Costa Rica (12/10)

On October 12, Costa Rica celebrates Culture Day (Spanish). Día del encuentro de las Culturas).

Colorful festivals, celebrations – Latinos really know how to relax, and Costa Rica is no exception. Something like a motto or slogan that reflects the ideal way of life of Costa Ricans is «Pura vida!», which literally means «pure life» in Spanish.

As a predominantly Catholic country, Costa Rica proclaims the equality of people regardless of their race, nationality, religion or culture. A significant number of holidays in this country, one way or another, are associated with the history of the Catholic Church or the history of the state.

Celebrated on October 12 in Costa Rica as the Day of Cultures, which until 1994 was called Race Day –, which is celebrated not only in Costa Rica, but also in many other Latin American countries. In fact, October 12 – is Christopher Columbus's 1492 Discovery Day of America. In fact, on October 12, 1492, the Spanish navigator landed not on the shores of the mainland, but on the island of San Salvador in the Caribbean Sea, but the date went down in history as the date of the discovery of America.

In different countries of Latin America, this Day is celebrated in its own way, and it is called differently. Among the names are Columbus Day, Day of the Americas, Race Day, Discovery of America, Indian Resistance Day (Indigenous Resistance Day).

In Costa Rica, until 1994, the holiday was called Race Day, and then was renamed Culture Day. The name change is due to the desire to emphasize the importance of ethno-national diversity and cultures of the country's population. It is no secret that the indigenous population of America was subjected to severe discrimination by colonialists, who in a number of regions reached the point of extermination.

Today, the composition of the population of Costa Rica – are descendants of colonialists (European, and, first of all, Spanish origin), descendants of the indigenous Indian population, slaves brought from Africa, as well as immigrants. Therefore, the proclamation of the holiday as the Day of Cultures – is a call for a peaceful, harmonious life based on the hard experience gained during the years of colonization.

Particular attention is paid to the celebration of Culture Day in educational institutions of the country, where anthems are performed, thematic classes are held on the topic of mutual respect, tolerance, as well as cultural diversity. Of course, national holiday carnivals, events, national costumes, dances and music decorate the streets and squares of Costa Rican cities.

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