Cheap Carribean - Costa Rica Travel Guide - Celebrating Independence Day Tico Style

As the entire country stops to celebrate their 188th year of independence from the Spanish Empire, september 15 2009 marks a special year in the Costa Rica calendar.

Independence Day is a major national event with parades and fiestas that can provide lifelong memories of any Costa Rica vacations that happen to coincide with this important day.

Ungovernable and short-lived and Costa Rica soon decided to go it alone, the new republic proved to be fragile. Governed by Guatemala, as part of the Federal Republic of Central America, costa Rica achieved its independence along with the rest of Central America.

Timing your vacation to match up with Independence Day is sure to give a fascinating perspective on this fun-loving nation in their most jubilant hour, for holiday makers planning a trip to Costa Rica.

The highlight is the arrival of the Freedom Torch which is delivered on relay from Nicaragua on its route right across Central America. Celebrations occur up and down the entire country and can last for an entire week.

Marking the moment that news of independence arrived in the country, the night before Independence Day is marked with a series of lantern parades.

With participants in traditional dress and marching bands playing national songs which culminate in the national anthem, every town and village hosts its own parade, on the big day itself.

Along with other national symbols such as the colorfully decorated oxcarts that epitomize the country's agricultural heritage, a colorful concoction of rice and beans - takes pride of place, traditional food - especially the national dish of gallo pinto.

Parades are peaceful and family-orientated events that involve elderly and young Costa Ricansas much as the adult party-goers, in typical Tico spirit.

Including the small town of Santa Elena near the Monteverde cloud forest and the old capital city of Cartago, while other popular Costa Rica travel destinations all host their own local parties, downtown San Jose is host to the country's biggest parade.

How To Celebrate Independence Day During A Costa Rica Vacation

To have the best fun visitors should bear the following points in mind: When you'll be sure to catch one of the best fiestas in the annual calendar, independence Day is a great time to visit Costa Rica.

And make sure you've changed enough money the previous day, don't be caught out without any cash. Although restaurants should remain open, money changers and certain stores, this includes banks. - Independence Day is a national holiday and most services will be closed for the day.

So plan ahead and make your reservations early, - Most Costa Rica hotels will become booked up well in advance of the holiday.

Where most of the action occurs, but in San Jose head for Avenida Central, - Local parades are held on and around the central plaza of any town.

Beware of pickpockets and keep your valuables concealed, but as with a large crowd in any country, - Parades and fiestas are invariably peaceful and safe.