Sep 15, 2021
Costa Rica Independence Day 2021
This Doodle’s Key Themes
In Costa Rican Spanish, adding the suffix -tico to select words can either imply its small size or indicate affection. So it’s only appropriate that Costa Ricans, known for their hospitality, often refer to themselves as Ticos. Today’s Doodle celebrates one of the most important holidays for Ticos around the world--Costa Rica Independence Day.
On this day in 1821, the Central American nations of Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Costa Rica became sovereign nations. Government officials mounted their horses in Guatemala City, Guatemala and set out to carry the news of independence and a symbolic torch on an over 230-mile journey to Cartago, Costa Rica’s former capital. Although the riders didn’t reach Cartago to officially inform citizens of their independence until almost a month later, September 15 remains the annual day of independence celebrations.
Traditionally, the annual “Independence Torch Race” re-enacts this journey in the days leading up to the holiday. A series of runners carry a torch on foot from Guatemala City to Cartago, announcing the jubilant celebration with its arrival.
Happy Independence Day, Costa Rica!
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