When I was growing up, faroles – the handmade lanterns meant to symbolize the 19th-century journey that brought the message of Central American independence to Costa Rica – were simple constructions, made of paper – like a red, white and black accordion with a candle inside. We typically made them in school during preparations for the civic festival to mark Costa Rica’s Independence Day on Sept. 15.
NICOYA, Guanacaste – Thousands gathered here Friday, including President Luis Guillermo SolÃs, to celebrate the culture of Guanacaste and the 190th anniversary of the annexation of the Partido de Nicoya to Costa Rica.
To celebrate this year's 190th anniversary of the annexation of the Partido de Nicoya, bilingual community newspaper La Voz de Guanacaste (The Voice of Guanacaste) has put together a musical video tribute based on Guadalupe Urbina's song, "Vengo de una Tierra" ("I Come from a Land").
A museum with lively theatrical tours through Costa Rican history takes things to the next level with an overnight camp that lets schoolkids brave the ghosts of the past.
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.
