Celebrating Independence Day

Discover a few interesting facts about Costa Rica Independence Day and rejoice for its 201 years of freedom with the country on Sept. 15!

You'll notice businesses, homes and vehicles are proudly displaying blue, white and red Costa Rican flags, banners and decorations.

1. On Sept. 15, 1821, a crucial Central American congress signed “The Act of Independence” asserting that Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica were free and unbiased of the Spanish Empire.

2. Even though Sept. 15 is the day the independence was declared, it wasn't until October 13 that the news reached Costa Rica. The messenger had to travel by horseback from Guatemala with the official declaration.

3. There was no fight required for independence in Central America. With its resources depleted by the battle with Napoleon Bonaparte, and a few Latin American wars, Spain really supported independence because the area had ended up as a burden.

4. Costa Rica ultimately became a totally independent country in 1838, when it separated from the Central American Republic.

5. Sept. 15 is a countrywide holiday, with agencies, banks and other establishments closed.

Click here for:

• the rest of the story

• Student's free download booklet with coloring sheet and quiz

• National Symbols

• National Anthem

• National Flag

• Online puzzle

• Festival videos and more...