Independence Day
Celebrated Monday
Monday is Independence
Day in Costa Rica and
Central America in
celebration of 187 years
of independence from
Spain. Celebrations are
ongoing throughout the
region.
In Costa Rica,
celebrations include
arrival of the the
independence torch at
the Parque Central
tonight followed by a
free open concert by the
Escats, a a jazz and pop
Costa Rican band
composed of three
members.
In actuality,
celebrations began on
Friday morning with
school band drums and
typical dances.
Guatemala proclaimed
their independence from
Spain for all Central
America on September 15,
1821. Ironically, Costa
Ricans didn't find out
of their independence
status until a month
later.
Following independence,
Central America signed
the first constitution,
the "Pacto de Concordia"
and in December of 1821
Costa Rica held its
first ever elections.
In 1856, the American
filibuster, William
Walker, threatened Costa
Rica's independence by
attempting to make it a
slave colony. Walker and
his troops were pushed
back by the Costa Rican
people's army of 9.00
soldiers and with the
lead of Juan Santamaría,
defeated Walker.
Today, Costa Rica is a
democratic nation and
army free. |
