Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Sundays in Costa Rica: Soccer

It was a normal Sunday, a day to relax, be with family and especially here in Costa Rica to watch soccer. Most of the families in our area have small children and the when you take a drive through the area, every soccer field is full. The shouting can be heard blocks away as goals are being made, adults cheering on their sons and

daughters who are running on the field in the hot tropical sun.

Soccer or football as they call it in Costa Rica, has found its way into every home on Sundays, there is no escaping it. We spent the last Sunday watching soccer in Platanillo a small rural town out of Turrialba. The children were playing on a very muddy field, all seemed very happy to be getting their white soccer uniforms dirty. The parents on the sidelines cheering them on and giving them guidance most are in their first year of playing on an actual team that does not consist of their older brothers!

It’s fun to watch them play, some running back and forth not sure what they are doing; others just running wherever the ball happens to be ; all in good fun. Their parents eager to see goals made, other players defeated, the kids just seem to be having fun.

After the game the children get food and still continue play amongst their own team, they don’t tire.

What did come next was a surprise, the adults came to play after the children and it seemed the whole town comes out to see these games. It was amazing to see the town converge on the soccer field at noonday. The children come running hoping to play again before the adults take over the filed for what we are sure is a fierce and serious game.

Though most is for fun, afterall Sunday is the day off here in Costa Rica but soccer is just as important as relaxing in Costa Rica.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Independence Day in Costa Rica- Freedom, family & fun

The 15th of September 1821 was an important date not only in the history of Costa Rica, but also for most of the countries in Central America.

It was the day they became free from Spain. Back then Spain ruled Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua & Costa Rica, the central government was then located in Guatemala, on the 14th of September 1821 Guatemala received the news that Spain would grant independence to these

counties. The news was relayed through Central America and Costa Rica only found out a month later since the information was transmitted by foot crossing Central America.

Nowadays on the 14th of September is observed a day of passing of the torch, a symbol use

d during the relay of information in 1821, now it is a tradition that the torch is relayed across the country usually carried by students or important members of the local communities.

The 15th of September is when the party starts.

It is observed as a holiday, visitors to the country will notice most shops are closed and the communities across the country celebrate with parades, typical dancing and lots of food!

It’s an amazing experience to see the school

children participating in marching bands, the girls are elegantly dressed in typical Costarrican dresses, the boys are dressed as typical farm workers complete with hat and old fashioned

sandals and dances of back then are repeated and taught in the months coming up to the important date. You will see children from age 3 to 21 practicing the routine of their ancestors.

It’s a time for families to get together, the mornings are spent at parades and activities in the community and the afternoon are spent with family.

The magic of this day is the importance that is instilled in the children to remember where they came from and why the celebrations are so important. A holiday that everyone observes and it brings out the best of the culture found here in Costa Rica.