Today we learned a little more about the culture in Costa Rica. This morning Dr. Laura Ramirez came to give us a lecture on the history and important cultural aspects in Costa Rica.

Dr. Ramirez first went over a bit of the history of Costa Rica. After the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 and the colonization that followed, Costa Rica became a colony of Spain. They were revered for their blend of local indigenous cultures. In 15th of September 1821, they became part of the Central American Republic, later in 1823, they would be their own independent nation. Finally one of the most radical changes came in 1949 when Don Pepé Ferrer abolished the army and the funding went to the schools and other social programs. Through this, we see that Costa Rica is very similar to many Latin American countries except that it decided to abolish its military in favor of the people.

Dr. Ramirez spoke on the food and games in Costa Rica. Much of the food was dissimilar to things we would find in the United States. Food like the Chorreada, Patí, and Tamales, don’t resemble anything we might find in the United States. The common thread between them appears to be they use mostly locally sourced products. Like the Corn for the Chorreada is produced in Costa Rica.

The games, however, were very similar to those you might find the US. Games like Yoyo, Hula Hula and Brinca Brinca. Are all games that exist in the US. (Yoyo, Hula hooping and, Jump rope).

Finally, Dr. Ramirez went over the significance of the Ox Carts. The Ox Carts are recognized by UNESCO as a heritage symbol of Costa Rica. This stems from the tradition of the Boyes (Oxen) as they are seen as part of the family. They grow up with their caretaker and work together. Dr.Ramirez explained that the Oxen and the Carts would be painted and the wheels would “sing” rather than simply make noise.

Overall in Costa Rica, the culture has its roots in very different places than in the US. Their food and traditions are similar, yet some aspects such as their games appear familiar. I look forward to discovering what differences and similarities there are in the upcoming weeks. ¡PURA VIDA!