Mother's Day in Costa Rica (Día de la Madre) is celebrated annually on August 15 and coincides with the celebration of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this day, all mothers and grandmothers are given all kinds of gifts.
Families gather in the home of older family members. Sometimes the whole family can’t fit at the table, so they sit where they can: some on the sofa, some on the bench, and some on the threshold. Regular food: Chicken pilaf, black bean puree, crispy potatoes, fresh cabbage salad with tomatoes.
They drink mainly beer, as well as rum or vodka, heavily diluted with Coca-Cola or orange juice with ice. The toast is made by one of the family members, the most eloquent, who thanks God for having such a wonderful mother. After the toast, prayer follows.
Then the demonstration of gifts begins, as always, with jokes and laughter. Soon the dancing begins, and the grandmothers are also pulled out to the cheerful sounds of salsa or cumbia. Everyone dances in Costa Rica.
Mother's Day — is an official national day off.