Costa Rica

From the Sabanero (cowboy) culture of the Guanacaste Province to the indigenous tribes of the Caribbean lowlands, small pockets of sub-cultures exist throughout Costa Rica. The country's mix of Mestizos (Spanish/AmerIndian), Spanish descendants, indigenous Indians and Afro-Caribbeans with the more recent immigrations of Asians, Europeans and North Americans creates a unique blend of culture.

Costa Ricans, or Ticos as they call themselves, enjoy topes (horse parades) in nearly every town and city, a tradition that originated on the dry plains and cattle ranches of Guanacaste.

Ticos are renowned for their gregarious nature which is quite apparent during the numerous fiestas, street fairs and carnivals celebrated throughout the nation. These celebrations are an excellent insight to the culture and cuisine of the country, as visitors can sample “tipico” food, enjoy Latin music or watch a Costa Rican bull fight where the bull is never harmed.

Along the Atlantic coast, Afro-Caribbean cultures are apparent in the reggae beats, Calypso music and Patois spoken by the locals. While indigenous tribes now make up less than 2% of the country’s population, Indian arts and handicrafts are preserved in museums and are sold on reservation tours.

San José, located in the Central Valley, became the cultural hub of the country with the construction of the National Theater in 1897. Within the past century, theater has become a favorite cultural activity among Ticos. The National Theater hosts a variety of operas, plays, ballet performances and orchestral symphonies.

Costa Rica is widely recognized for its wildlife and beautiful landscapes. However, if travelers look beyond ecotourism, cultural treasures can be found, whether in a reggae music festival, a horse parade, or an opera.

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