Sep 15, 2019
Costa Rica Independence Day 2019
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle features La Bandera de Costa Rica, the tricolor flag that will fly throughout the Central American nation today in celebration of Costa Rica’s Independence Day.
On this day in 1821, Costa Rica joined four other Central American states in declaring independence after three centuries of Spanish rule. The nation’s first elections were held later that same year.
In honor of this historic anniversary, a torch will be carried by student runners and local leaders from Guatemala City all the way to San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Known as Antorcha de la Independencia, the annual 240-mile torch run recreates the journey of messengers who rode on horseback to announce the independence of the five states that would comprise the República Federal de Centroamérica nearly two centuries ago.
On the evening before Independence Day, children all over Costa Rica participate in the traditional Desfile de Faroles, an exciting night-time parade of homemade lanterns. Student bands practice for months, preparing to perform in the Independence Day parade. Music, street vendors, and food stands fill the streets, selling delicacies like arroz con pollo, tamales, fried yucca and plantains, black beans and rice, coconut flan, and tres leches. The festivities then culminate with a grand fireworks display.
¡Feliz Día de Independencia!
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