Guanacaste Day is observed on July 25 every year. It is an upheld Costa Rican holiday commemorating Costa Rica’s annexation of the Guanacaste province in 1824. It is also called Nicoya´s annexation to Costa Rica. The land had three major cities ― Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Liberia. During some open meetings, negotiations took place. The three cities decided to call a referendum at the time, which took place in Nicoya ― Nicoya and Santa Cruz voted yes, while Liberia voted no. The majority won, and they proceeded with the annexation.
History of Guanacaste Day
Guanacaste Day is a popular public holiday in Costa Rica that falls on July 25 every year. It is also known as the Annexation of Nicoya Day or ‘La Anexión del Partido de Nicoya.’ The Guanacaste province became part of the Costa Rican territory when the Central American Federal Republic passed the law and signed it on July 25, 1824. In 1812, Spanish rule in the Central Americas ended following the Mexican War of Independence. Costa Rica was part of the Federal Republic of Central America in 1824. Other states in the Federal Republic included Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.Guanacaste was a part of Nicaragua, and the northern part of Costa Rica formed its border. There had been open meetings discussing a switch from Nicaragua to Costa Rica in the three major cities in Guanacaste. They called a referendum; Nicoya and Santa Cruz voted yes to joining Costa Rica. Liberia, however, voted to stay with Nicaragua. The result eventually favored the annexation by Costa Rica. On July 25, 1824, the Central American Federal Republic duly passed and signed the law, allowing Guanacaste Province to become a part of the Costa Rican territory.Unsurprisingly, Guanacaste Day is observed enthusiastically in Guanacaste. It is common to see the streets filled out with handicrafts and traditional Costa Rican food. These foods include ‘tamales’ and ‘gallos’ ― grilled meat with tortillas and salad. These are delicious meals that many people enjoy in Guanacaste. People also have concerts, fireworks, and folk dances.
Guanacaste Day timeline
Christopher Columbus visits the area; he calls it ‘Costa Rica,’ which means ‘Rich Coast.’
Costa Rica becomes a part of the viceroyalty of New Spain.
Coffee gets to Costa Rica from Cuba.
Costa Rica is part of the United Provinces of Central America.
Guanacaste Day FAQs
What is the main religion in Costa Rica?
By their constitution, Roman Catholicism is the state’s religion.
What is a person from Costa Rica called?
People from Costa Rica are called Costa Ricans. They also call themselves ‘Ticos.’
What is a typical breakfast in Costa Rica?
A typical breakfast dish in Costa Rica is ‘Gallo Pinto.’ Gallo Pinto consists of rice mixed with black beans. It’s eaten with ‘natilla’ (sour cream), eggs (scrambled), and fried plantain.
Guanacaste Day Activities
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Visit Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a beautiful country that many people have enjoyed visiting. There is a rich culture that anyone can experience and create beautiful memories.
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Learn their language
Costa Ricans speak Spanish majorly in their country. Learning their language would help you communicate better with them and enjoy your relationships.
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Eat Costa Rican food
Costa Rica has many delicious dishes to offer its citizens and guests. You’ll find a delicacy that suits your taste and cravings.
5 Facts About Costa Rica
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The currency is colorful
Costa Rican currency features different landscapes and animals from its vast biodiversity.
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Nicoya is a ‘Blue Zone’
Nicoya is one of the top five Blue Zones in the world because its inhabitants commonly live active lives past the age of 100.
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There is no army
Costa Rica has happily claimed not to have had a military since 1948.
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It has volcanoes
There are five active volcanoes in Costa Rica ― Rincón de la Vieja, the Irazú, the Poás, Arenal Volcano, and the Turrialba.
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They are called ‘ticas’
Costa Ricans have given themselves the nicknames ‘tico’ and ‘tica’ from ‘Chiquito’ and ‘Chiquita.’
Why We Love Guanacaste Day
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It is a happy country
Costa Rica is one of the happiest countries to be in the world. It has a lot to offer
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It uses renewable energy
Costa Rica generates most of its energy using five renewable sources. These sources include wind, geothermal energy, hydropower, biomass, and solar.
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It is biodiverse
Costa Rica is a biodiverse country with about 5% of the world’s biodiversity. There is a lot of wildlife you can see in the country.
Guanacaste Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 25 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | July 25 | Thursday |
| 2025 | July 25 | Friday |
| 2026 | July 25 | Saturday |
| 2027 | July 25 | Sunday |
