Independence Day.

Independence Day of Costa Rica is celebrated on 15 th September which commemorates independence of the entire Central America from Spain in 1821.

Many reasons targeted the Independence of the Region:

The discomfort of Spanish descendants born in America (creoles) with the Crown for the inequality of opportunities they had in comparison to those enjoyed by the Spanish that arrived from the old Continent.

Spain controlled a commercial monopoly and did not allow the American colonies to trade freely which affected their development.

The Napoleonic French occupation of Spain in 1808 destroyed the spanish organization. With the fall of the monarchy, constitutional power devolved to local juntas. By 1812 the Cortes de Cadiz had approved the first Spanish Constitution. In spanish colonies the local formed Juntas and the experience of self-government led later to promote the independence of the colonies.

The 1812 Spanish Constitution established the principals of universal suffrage, national sovereignty, freedom of press, free trade, which influenced the Latin American emancipation and the Mexican Independence and its impact on the Guatemalan Kingdom.

The constitution, considered one of the most liberal of its time, was abolished by Ferdinand VII of Spain upon his return to the throne on March 24th 1814, but was reinstated between 1820–1823 when Spanish colonies in America took advantage of the postwar chaos to proclaim their independence. Ferdinand VII in Madrid , expended wealth and power in vain to take control over the colonies, by then it was to late.

After briefly being part of the Mexican Empire of Agustin de Iturbide Costa Rica became part of the Federal Republic of Central America from 1823 to 1839. Costa Rica's disinterest in participating as a province in a greater Central American government, distance from Guatemala, and different interest among liberals and conservators from the region were factors factors in the break-up of the Federation into 5 independent states, which still exist today.

Today, all of the Central American nations still celebrate together September 15 as their independence day.

Preparation for the celebration starts the 1st of september in Guatemala when the Torch on Independence in lighted and starts a journey of one thousand kilometers to Costa Rica following the historic path it took 189 years ago throughout the countries of the region.

The light of independence will get to every little village of each nation carried by children of the schools of Central America.

The torch arrives to Costa Rican border with Nicaragua on the 13th of september. Still has to go 360 kilometers to the province of Cartago where it will arrive the next day usually at 6 pm.

That afternoon, the 14th of september the official celebration starts when the President of Costa Rica receives the torch carried all the way from Guatemala as a symbol of the spreading of the good news of independence throughout the region. Proud Costa Ricans sing the national anthem in every corner of the country and children light traditional candle lanterns that they made themselves.

On the 15th of september, the big day, the tradition includes parades that take place everywhere in the country and are organized by the local schools. After practicing for more than a month, children take the streets of costa rica, wearing colorful uniforms and showing with pride their love for the country. Flags, school bands, typical dances, decorated houses, offices, schools, all to demonstrate joy of independence.

The colors Blue, Red and White prevail on decorations and uniforms, reminding and representing our Sky, our protector; our Heroes and farmers; and our love of Peace.

Happy Independence day Costa Rica!