PHOTO REPORT: The 191st anniversary of the Annexation of Nicoya is a hot, lively affair

See also: Water protests greet Costa Rica’s Solís in Nicoya during annual festival

On Saturday, the people of Costa Rica’s northwestern province of Guanacaste dusted off their cowboy boots and headed out for a traditional Tico celebration at the annual Annexation of the Partido de Nicoya Festival. Held every July 25, this year’s festival commemorated the 191st anniversary of the day when the Partido de Nicoya, today known as Guanacaste, became a part of Costa Rica in 1824. This year’s event, held under a scorching sun that sent temperatures skyrocketing, was lively and hot, with plenty of protests and an equal measure of fun.