Costa Rican Traditions
Like in many other countries, the people of Costa Rica are trying vainly to hold on to the old cultural forces, their Costa Rican traditions, despite the modern influences being embraced by its young inhabitants. The Ticos as natives of Costa Ricans are called are mostly conservative but many of them are now adopting American cultural traits because of the comfort and convenience of the modern world. In spite of this, Costa Ricans maintain their unique identity, distinguishing them from people of their neighboring countries.
Recently though, because of increasing worldwide travel, a Costa Rica vacation is becoming quite popular for travelers. Because of this there is the new Hotel Costa Rica and The Costa Rican Condo is now offering executive quality yet reasonably priced accommodations for travelers.
Ticos consider themselves racially and culturally homogenous. Only about 1% of the population are considered Indian, with very few Black and Chinese minorities. A traveler on a Costa Rica vacation will not fail to notice the relative “whiteness” of the Ticos compared to people of other places. The literacy rate in Costa Rica is 96% proof of the high level of education of the Ticos. In this regard, Costa Ricans consider themselves different and unique from inhabitants of their neighboring countries.
One of the Costa Rican traditions is they remain conservative regarding issues of family even though there has been an increase in single-mother families. Family ties continue to be very strong even in single-mother households. The important family traditions remain to be baptisms, engagement parties, weddings, funerals and even first communions. Extended families and many friends and family members are invited to these events, making them happy occasions and gatherings. Traditionally, children of Costa Ricans live at home until they get married. Leaving the home to gain independence or pursuing education far away from home is still rare.
The “machismo” system is still prevalent in Costa Rica and men and women are expected to respect their roles. There is a large proportion of women in Costa Rica who are professionals and holding important positions in the government and in business, but many of them retain conservative and traditional ways. As far as Costa Rican traditions go, this is the norm.
Aside from family traditions, religious traditions remain strong in Costa Rica. Easter Week or Semana Santa continue to be celebrated annually, in addition to Christmas Week and the celebration of the Virgin of the Angels on the 2nd day of August. The Catholic religious practice is “lukewarm” though, as the celebration becomes a strange mixture of religious rites and partying. Because the Costa Rican Indian population is small, the processions are not as colorful as that in Mexico or Guatemala where the events are a mixture of Catholic and Indian practices.
For Easter Week, people choose to go to the beach as they regard Easter time as vacation time and a time for relaxation and a good time. Costa Ricans coming home to San Jose for Holy Week, their visitors and other tourists now have the option of staying in Hotel Costa Rica, the San Jose Vacation Rental where they can find international amenities are affordable prices. Hospitality, the most widespread tradition in Costa Rica is practice in The Costa Rican Condo.
