Independence Month

Costa Rica celebrates its independence on September 15^th (officially) but the Independence Day activities happen all month long. Today for instance, the 16^th of September, there is no school. Why? Why not!

The month starts with “civic week” where schools across the nation have morning assemblies under certain patriotic themes. These assemblies are called “actos civicos” or, you guessed it, “civic acts.” Teachers talk to the students about what it means to be a Costa Rican, how to be a good citizen, or whatever occurs to them. My favorite “acto civico” speech was about the dangers of cyber-bullying delivered to a group of 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd graders—out of the whole group only one 1^st grade girl has access to a computer (without internet). At the “actos civicos” there is a salute to the flag and 3-5 patriotic songs are sung. These songs are long, and the Spanish is so formal and antiquated that I can’t make sense of them, I just hum along.

After “civic week” is over “civic month” begins. There are still “actos civicos” every morning, but now there are nationwide holidays to celebrate, as well. The first is the “running of the torch.” Every year on September 13^th the “running of the torch” begins. The run starts up on the Nicaraguan border where a torch is passed from the Nicaraguans to the Costa Ricans. The Costa Ricans take the torch and the torch travels from town to town until it reaches the Panamanian border. The torch represents the light/hope/knowledge of independence.

September 14^th there is a lantern parade at night. School children and their parents make paper lanterns. Everyone gathers at the school grounds for an “acto civico” and then they all light their lanterns and walk around the community.

September 15^th is the official Independence Day celebration. In Upala there is a parade! Everyone meets up at the high school for the mandatory “acto civico” and then the parade begins. School bands and dance troupes, police officers, and fire fighters march through the city. The parade ends at the park (which is where I went to watch it). In the park gazebo a man with giant speaker announces each group that walks by. After the groups reach the end of the parade route they go to the basketball court to perform their act one last time.

Independence Day/Month is a huge event. Groups practice intensely for the parade, kids work hard on their paper lanterns, and teachers work hard on trying to find relevant things to say for all the “actos civicos” that take place.