Celebrating Mother’s Day in Costa Rica

Costa Rica celebrated Día de la Madre on August 15th, coinciding with the Feast of the Assumption. Unlike the May celebrations in North America, this day honors the traditional role of mothers in Costa Rican society. Families gather to express gratitude for mothers’ hard work and sacrifices, often preparing special meals like arroz con pollo or picadillo de papa.

Gifts typically include flowers, perfumes, and personal care items. The day also sees many attending church services, while others enjoy outings to national parks or beaches. As a public holiday, government offices and banks close, allowing families to spend quality time together. This celebration highlights the central role of family in Costa Rican culture and the deep respect for mothers as the cornerstone of the household.

Costa Rica Faces Alarming Rise in Childhood Obesity Rates

Recent statistics reveal a growing health crisis in Costa Rica, with 31.5 percent of children and adolescents aged 5-19 being overweight and 12.3 percent obese. Health professionals, including Dr. Nydia Amador of the Healthy Costa Rica Association, are calling for urgent action. The National Children’s Hospital reported 50 cases of type 2 diabetes in minors aged 10-15 this year alone. Experts point to aggressive marketing of ultra-processed foods on social media and modern sedentary lifestyles as key factors.

The 2018 Cardiovascular Risk Factors Survey also found elevated triglycerides and cholesterol levels in children. To combat this crisis, health professionals recommend implementing front-of-package labeling, taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, and comprehensive strategies involving government, schools, parents, and the food industry to promote healthier lifestyles among Costa Rica’s youth.

How One Costa Rican Scientist Banned a Harmful Pesticide

Costa Rican biologist and ecologist Isabel Mendez has achieved a significant victory for environmental conservation and public health in Costa Rica. Through her persistent efforts, the country has banned chlorothalonil, a widely used agrochemical linked to groundwater contamination and potential carcinogenic effects. Mendez’s campaign, backed by scientific data and community mobilization, overcame industry resistance and governmental apathy to secure this ban in August 2024.

While the agricultural sector expresses concerns about productivity, Mendez and her team are working on sustainable alternatives. This landmark decision not only protects ecosystems and rural communities but also reinforces Costa Rica’s commitment to genuine environmental protection, setting an example for other nations in the fight against harmful pesticides.