By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The embassies, consulates, and representations of Costa Rica in different parts of the world celebrated independence this weekend.

President Carlos Alvarado sent a message that is traditionally heard during the acts and to Costa Rican communities around the world.

This year, in his message, the president highlighted Costa Rican values: "You are abroad, some with nostalgia remember, others with many years of being abroad, who have Costa Rica inside their hearts, we remember you during this celebration."

Various embassies in countries such as in Canada, the United States, Australia, Great Britain, among many others shared images of the celebrations on social networks.

"At this time Costa Ricans living abroad gather around embassies, consulates, and missions to celebrate, together with children dressed in their traditional costumes, eating folk dishes, and celebrating their homeland," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its statement.

For example, in the United States, Embassies in Texas, Florida, and California brought the community together in activities such as lanterns, music, dance, and folk food competitions.


The United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, through the United States Embassy in Costa Rica, gave a message of congratulations to the Costa Ricans.

"On behalf of the people of the United States of America, I extend congratulations to the citizens of Costa Rica as you celebrate the 198th anniversary of your nation’s independence, "said U.S. Secretary Pompeo in his statement." The relationship between the United States and Costa Rica is grounded in our mutual commitment to democracy, security, and prosperity. Costa Rica continues to be a regional model of democracy and respect for human rights, as well as a leader in the fight against transnational crime and drug trafficking. The United States wishes the people of Costa Rica a joyous Independence Day. "


The Costa Rican Consulate in Los Angeles, California, celebrated with a lantern contest.

In other countries, such as Great Britain, Canada, and Australia, the Costa Rican community celebrated in the respective embassies, with traditional outdoor games, folk songs, and dances.


Costa Ricans sing the national anthem in London, U.K.


Costa Ricans in Melbourne, Australia, celebrated independence day with traditional games outside the embassy.


The Costa Rican community of Ottawa and other parts of Canada met to commemorate independence with a party.

This weekend the country celebrated 198 years of independence since leaving Spanish colonial rule and the benefits of self-determination that started back in 1821.

But as A.M. Costa Rica published on Sept 13th, history shows that the country may not have been considered an independent entity until 18 years after.

According Ricardo Fernández Guardia (1867-1950). historian, writer, and former Consul of Costa Rica in 1945, the Act of Independence of Central America, also known as the Act of Independence of Guatemala, is the legal document by which the Provincial Council of the Province of Guatemala proclaimed the independence of Central America from the Spanish Empire and invited the other provinces of the Captaincy General of Guatemala to send envoys to a congress to decide the form of the region's independence.

It was enacted on September 15, 1821, as was recorded in the files of the Organization of American States Foreign Trade Information System.

At that time Costa Rica was part of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala, an administrative division established by the Spanish Crown.

Due to prior reforms that were taking place, on September 15th the Capitanía proclaimed itself independent from the Kingdom of Spain, but it didn't mean Costa Rica was independent right away.

According to Ana Botey,  historian from the University of Costa Rica, the country still belonged to the Government Headquarters of Léon, Nicaragua and the Nicoya Party.

"At this time Costa Rica was still part of the then independent Capitanía, and there were internal divisions on whether the country should join the Mexican Empire of Iturbide," said Ms. Botey. "The latter never happened, and we became part of the Federal Republic of Central America from 1823 to 1838."

In 1838, long after the Federal Republic of Central America ceased to function, Costa Rica formally withdrew and proclaimed itself sovereign.


--------------------------
What independence day activities did you participate in within your community?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to: news@amcostarica.com

---

---

Want to write or gripe
about Costa Rica?

Want to submit an event
to our calendar?

Send all the information news@amcostarica.com

Profile pictures are welcome too !

-No defamatory pieces will be accepted.
-We reserve the right to publish.

---

---

---