Getting to know Costa Rica means exploring a world full of cultural variety and a multi-ethnic population that will fill you with the warmth of “pura vida” from the moment you take your first step in the country.
Every October 12, Costa Rica celebrates the Day of Cultures, a celebration that commemorates Christopher Columbus’ first approach to America and the meaning of uniting ties with cultures such as: European, African, Asian, indigenous, among others.
This celebration is also known as “Columbus Day” in the United States, “Day of the Race” in many countries in America, “Day of Discovery” in the Bahamas and “Day of the Americas in Uruguay”.
Previously this holiday was called “Day of the Race” and a change in national legislation called it “Day of Cultures” as a result of a deep struggle by a sector of the citizenry.
It was on September 21, 1994 that the law (7426) of the Day of Cultures was enacted, since the designation “Day of the Race” was considered discriminatory. This change sought to promote tolerance, respect, ethnic diversity, Spanish heritage, the legacy of indigenous peoples and other peoples who are part of the mestizaje process.
Puerto Limon in celebration
One of the places in the country where it is celebrated the most is the province of Limón, since the commemoration of this date marks the arrival in 1502 of Christopher Columbus to the nearby Uvita Island, a tourist attraction in the area.
That is why a gastronomic fair will be held in Puerto Limón that invites both its inhabitants and all the tourists who visit this Caribbean corner of the country.
Between October 9 and 13, you can enjoy a wide range of dishes that will make you fall in love from the first spoonful. Its exotic ingredients, the flavor of coconut milk and Panamanian chili will be some of the flavors that will captivate your palate.
In addition, you can visit craft stands in the area and in this way take a little piece of Costa Rica with you.
On the other hand, you can also enjoy various activities in which the “Parade of Cultures” stands out, which seeks to promote the cultural wealth of the province and the integration of the different ethnic groups that make up this beautiful town.
Don't forget to appreciate the colorful costumes characteristic of the area and the music, which plays a very important role in these celebrations.
The rhythm of calypso, an indigenous sound from the Costa Rican Caribbean, will resonate on every corner of the streets of Limón. This music that has been passed down from generation to generation is an Afro-Caribbean musical legacy and is also recognized as Costa Rica's intangible cultural heritage.
Concerts, masquerades, carousels and a very varied tourist offer are an excellent opportunity to experience Costa Rican culture.