Costa Rica National Day

Costa Rica National Day

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  1. 1821Central America declared independence from Spain
  2. 1848Republic of Costa Rica proclaimed
  3. 1821Independence Day began

The story behind the day

On 15 September 1821, Central America declared independence from Spain simultaneously across the isthmus. Costa Rica was part of that collective declaration, which followed news of Mexican independence that had arrived by mule from Guatemala City. The date marks the end of 300 years of Spanish colonial rule.

Costa Rica celebrates Independence Day on 15 September, sharing the date with several Central American neighbours. It marks the 1821 declaration of independence from Spain by the Captaincy General of Guatemala.

In Costa Rica, the celebration is especially associated with civic education, school parades and the symbolic torch of freedom that travels through Central America. The holiday is patriotic but often peaceful and family-oriented.

  1. 202615 September 2026 · Tuesday
  2. 202715 September 2027 · Wednesday
  3. 202815 September 2028 · Friday
The flag
Costa Rica flag

Today children carry faroles, hand-made lanterns, on the evening before the holiday. On 15 September, towns hold parades with school bands, folk dress, flags and traditional dancing.

Costa Rican Independence Day food is casual and festive — gallo pinto, tamales and tropical fruits mark a holiday spent with family and school parades.

What to eat

Gallo pintoRice and black beans stir-fried together with Salsa Lizano — Costa Rica's national dish eaten at breakfast on Independence Day.
TamalesCorn masa stuffed with pork, rice and vegetables, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed — made in large family batches.
Arroz con polloYellow rice with chicken, vegetables and herbs — the classic Costa Rican celebration lunch.
CasadoThe standard Costa Rican plate: rice, black beans, salad, fried plantain and a protein of choice.
ChifrijoLayered bowl of rice, beans, chicharrón pork crackling and pico de gallo — a beloved Costa Rican bar snack.
Tres lechesSponge cake soaked in three milks — evaporated, condensed and heavy cream — the most popular Costa Rican celebration cake.

What to drink

GuaroCosta Rica's national clear sugarcane spirit — drunk neat or in the Guaro Sour cocktail.
HorchataRice milk drink flavoured with cinnamon and vanilla — a sweet Costa Rican refreshment.
Café chorreadoCosta Rican drip coffee brewed through a cloth sock filter — the traditional morning drink of an excellent coffee-producing nation.
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Culture on National Day

Costa Rica's Independence Day is a school parade holiday — children in traditional dress, lantern processions and the national anthem connect communities across the country.

Lantern paradeOn the eve of September 15, children march with handmade paper lanterns — a Costa Rican tradition symbolising the torch of freedom.
School paradesMarimba bands lead students in traditional dress through town centres — the most visible Independence Day event across Costa Rica.
Freedom torch relayA symbolic torch is carried by relay runners from Guatemala City to Cartago, retracing the route of the independence declaration.
Civic ceremoniesThe presidential address and flag-raising take place at the Plaza de la Democracia in San José.