Did you know that the actual date of Costa Rican Independence from the Spanish was September 15th 1821? However it was not declared by the Costa Ricans but by their Central American friends “Guatemala”. However on proclaiming independence on 15th September, the Costa Ricans did not learn of it until 1 month later. There were few ‘Ticos’ who had actually wanted and announced independence so they were very bemused when they did hear of the declaration. Even though Costa Rica was declared independent by itself in 1821 it was not declared independent by Spain until 1850, some 29 years later.

The first elected head of state was not elected until 1824 and his name was Juan Mora Fernández. He

made the first step into making Costa Rica a more economically secure country by strengthening the infrastructure and providing grants to people for planting coffee plantations.

It was said that the message that they were free was delivered by messengers by night where you could only see flickering lanterns. Typically you will find Costa Ricans celebrating Independence day with a cold Imperial in their hand. However typically the night before there are parades with people holding lanterns as they walk, which symbolises the arrival of news that Costa Rica was declared independent.

This article was brought to you by Richard Bexon, a web consultant for Costa Rica News.