Wednesday, December 9, 2009

15 de setiembre

Costa Rica's Independence Day is September 15th. The day celebrates all of Central America's independence from Spain. Apparently the word of independence was spread down from Guatemala through all of the Central American countries, which is why each country has a different date of independence. To symbolize this transfer of information, every year a torch is carried from Guatemala all the way down to Panama, and it enters Costa Rica on the morning of September 15th.


Also, instead of fireworks, like we have on 4th of July, the tradition here is to make faroles. Faroles are lanterns that are usually homemade and lit at night with a candle. On the night of September 14th all communities in Costa Rica have a small parade of the faroles. The parade is usually organized by the school and all students have to go in uniform and with their farol. In my community it is a fun activity because the everyone leaves their houses and walks through the dark streets with their lanterns. Almost everyone, mother, father, grandpa, small children, bring their own farol.


Here are pictures of the last 2 year' celebrations:



Marlon, my host cousin, with his very creative lantern made out of egg cartons

The parade through town.

My host sibling's lantern


My host sister, Daniela, with the lantern that my host brother mad for me.