A look at the history of the U.S.' "Star-Spangled Banner" and Costa Rica's "Noble Patria, Tu Hermosa Bandera." Plus a free download of our July 4 Picnic program.

Come one, come all to the American Colony Committee's Fourth of July Picnic, this year at Avenida Escazú.

The picnic, organized by the American Colony Committee, dates back to 1961 and is a beloved tradition for many U.S. expats in Costa Rica.

The American Colony Committee's annual 4th of July picnic is Sunday at Cervecería Costa Rica in Alajuela.

As in years past, Saturday's picnic included a flag-raising ceremony and singing of the U.S. and Costa Rican national anthems as well as games, music, dancing, great food, and plentiful beer.

"The picnic is really important because it is the only event where most of the U.S. citizens here in Costa Rica get together. We would love to keep up this tradition forever, but it will depend on the support we can get."

A roud up of events taking place July 3 - 10

Spectators watch the fireworks display at Avenida Escazú's Fourth of July event.

Hundreds of people converged on the Cervecería Nacional on the outskirts of San José to attend the 54th annual Fourth of July Picnic, a Costa Rican tradition since 1961. Here are some snapshots from U.S. Independence Day morning.

A look at the history of the U.S.' "Star-Spangled Banner" and Costa Rica's "Noble Patria, Tu Hermosa Bandera." Plus a free download of our July 4 Picnic program.