Costa Rica National Day 2027
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About the event
In Costa Rica, the celebration is especially associated with civic education, school parades and the symbolic torch of freedom that travels through Central America. Costa Rica was part of that collective declaration, which followed news of Mexican independence that had arrived by mule from Guatemala City.
On the eve of September 15, children march with handmade paper lanterns — a Costa Rican tradition symbolising the torch of freedom.
Why this 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.
Timeline
- 1821Central America declared independence from Spain
- 1848Republic of Costa Rica proclaimed
- 1821Independence Day began
Key figures
Stay for the event
Check-in 14 Sep, check-out 16 Sep 2026 — 2 nights around 15 September 2026. Change the dates to stay longer.
AREA
Find stays in San JoséGetting there
- Celebratednationwide
- CapitalSan Jose
- Time zoneCST (UTC-6)
Host country
- Currency: Costa Rican colón
- Language: Spanish
- Driving: on the right
- Capital: San Jose
- Phone: +506
- Emergency: 112
- Electricity: 120 V, 60 Hz, plugs A/B
What to eat
Rice and black beans stir-fried together with Salsa Lizano — Costa Rica's national dish eaten at breakfast on Independence Day.
Corn masa stuffed with pork, rice and vegetables, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed — made in large family batches.
Yellow rice with chicken, vegetables and herbs — the classic Costa Rican celebration lunch.
The standard Costa Rican plate: rice, black beans, salad, fried plantain and a protein of choice.
Layered bowl of rice, beans, chicharrón pork crackling and pico de gallo — a beloved Costa Rican bar snack.
Sponge cake soaked in three milks — evaporated, condensed and heavy cream — the most popular Costa Rican celebration cake.
What to drink
Costa Rica's national clear sugarcane spirit — drunk neat or in the Guaro Sour cocktail.
Rice milk drink flavoured with cinnamon and vanilla — a sweet Costa Rican refreshment.
Costa Rican drip coffee brewed through a cloth sock filter — the traditional morning drink of an excellent coffee-producing nation.
Culture & traditions
On the eve of September 15, children march with handmade paper lanterns — a Costa Rican tradition symbolising the torch of freedom.
Marimba bands lead students in traditional dress through town centres — the most visible Independence Day event across Costa Rica.
A symbolic torch is carried by relay runners from Guatemala City to Cartago, retracing the route of the independence declaration.
The presidential address and flag-raising take place at the Plaza de la Democracia in San José.
Coming years
Costa Rica National Day 2028
- Friday 15 September 2028Next event date
Costa Rica National Day 2029
- Saturday 15 September 2029Event date
Costa Rica National Day 2030
- Sunday 15 September 2030Event date