U.S. expats celebrate 4th of July in style
About the only thing missing from the U.S. Independence Day celebration in Costa Rica on Sunday were the fireworks.
Aside from the firecrackers and skyrockets that highlight most Fourth of July celebrations in the United States, the celebration had all the other ingredients to make the day feel like home, including hot dogs, popcorn, a children’s parade, classic cars and live music.
The fairgrounds of the Cervecería Costa Rica in Alajuela, northwest of San José, were packed with U.S. flags, children playing summertime games and family picnickers.
“It was better than ever,” said Susan Tessem, president of the American Colony Committee, who along with a team of volunteers put the event together. “It was the American spirit that made it so great.”
Tessem wasn’t the only one taken aback by the success of the day. As the partygoers climbed out of their cars and watched the stream of flag-carrying, red-white-and-blue-clad compatriots, many jaws dropped in surprise.
“I had no idea it was this big,” one woman said.
And this wasn’t just any Fourth of July celebration in Costa Rica. On the occasion of its 50th celebration of U.S. Independence Day in Costa Rica, the American Colony Committee broke from tradition and gained permission to host the event during the weekend. Typically, it has been held on a weekday because of the Cervecería’s in-demand weekend schedule.
“It made a great difference to have the celebration on a weekend,” Tessem said. “There were people here who hadn’t been to a July 4th in years.”
For those who didn’t make it to the event, Tessem had a message for next year: “Don’t miss out!”
You may be interested

Costa Rica
16420 views
Costa Rica
16420 views
Vaccinated people don’t have to self-isolate after Covid contact
Alejandro Zúñiga - March 8, 2021People who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 won’t have to isolate if they are a close contact to someone who…

Costa Rica
2180 views
Costa Rica
2180 views
Starting in April, Manuel Antonio NP will be open on Mondays
Alejandro Zúñiga - March 8, 2021Costa Rica’s most popular national park is switching up its hours. Starting April 1, Manuel Antonio National Park will remain…

Costa Rica
2549 views
Costa Rica
2549 views
Costa Rica unemployment disproportionately impacts women
Alejandro Zúñiga - March 8, 2021Unemployment in Costa Rica is at 19.1%, but the job loss provoked by the pandemic has predominantly impacted women. According…