by Michael Carrasco

 

~Costa Rica History~

After a late summer storm in 1502 put Christopher Columbus on what used to be known as Cariari Bay, but today is known as Puerto Limon, he thought they had discovered an area of wealth and riches. The reason Christopher Columbus and his crew thought they had just stumbled across this wealth was because they made contact with Indians that were wearing golden jewelry and fancy sparkling costumes.They also assumed that the land was filled with precious metals. Little did they know that this land had no such riches. Therefore Columbus and his crew named the region Costa Rica. Costa Rica translated into English means "rich coast."

Some of the Indian tribes residing in what today is known as Costa Rica when Columbus arrived were the Borucas, Corobicis, Caribs, Nahuas, and the Chorotegas. These Indian Tribes mainly focused on farming and hunting.

 

~Culture~

Today 95% of the people residing in Costa Rica are Roman Catholic. The culture in Costa Rica has been greatly influenced by Spain.Musical instruments that are a great part of their traditions are the guitar, accordion and mandolin. One of the most popular dances is called, Punto Guanacaste. Costa Rica's folk music is played on the marimba.

The painted oxcart is a cultural symbol of Costa Rica.

Food is a big part of Latin culture. The national dish or the most popular dish of Costa Rica is called La Olla. It is a stew that has potatoes, beef, onions, maize, beans, and tomatoes.Tamales are

Making tamales

very popular also. They are usually made during holidays or special occasions. They are made of masa, ground pork, chicken, an rice. Most of Costa Rica's holidays are usually related to religious things. Costa Rica celebrates holidays that usually deal with Saints. Religious holidays are when most Catholics are supposed to attend Church. One of the more important religious Holidays is called The Feast of Our Lady of the Angels. There is a black statue of the Virgin, which on August 2, is carried through the streets of Costa Rica. Many people from other Latin countries attend this service. Nearby, there is a spring with water that is suppossed to have healing and blessing qualities.

The national sport of Costa Rica is Soccer. Most boys in Latin America dream of becoming professional soccer players.

 

 

~Climate~

Costa Rica's climate is tropical. It rains about 100 inches a year. Some mountain ranges get as much as 25 feet of rain a year. In Costa Rica there really aren't seasons. There is a dry season and a rainy season. The rainy season usually begins in May and ends in November. Therefore the dry season starts in December and lasts till April. In the Central Valley of Costa Rica the average temperature is about 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and near the Atlantic and Pacific coasts the temperature averages about 88 degrees Fahrenheit. So overall Costa Rica has pretty much a comfortable climate; aside from all the rain.

 

~Economy~

The economy in Costa Rica is agricultural. Costa Rica's exports include coffee and bananas. Coffee and bananas used to be the main source of income for Costa Rica until ecotourism came around in the early 1990's. What is ecotourism? Ecotourism is when tourists, from around the world come and visit Costa Rica's plentiful rain forests, without harming plants or animals. Costa Rican's mainly focus on the raising of their livestock. Other crops that are grown in Costa Rica are maiz, rice, beans, tobacco, potatoes, sugar,and cacao which was brought from Mexico during the fourteenth century by early Indians called Nahua Indians. Transportation in Costa Rica is doing well. Planes, trains, and highways connect to large cities such as San Jose, Costa Rica's capital.

 

~Geography~

Costa Rica's beaches are covered in black or white sands. Costa Rica has 42 active volcanoes and over 12 dormant or extinct. Costa Rica has earthquakes from time to time. Costa Rica is surrounded by mountain ranges and volcanoes.The rain forests in Costa Rica are beautiful. It rains about 100 inches a year. Costa Rica is a very beautiful place to visit!

 

 

 

 

 

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