Costa Rica Independence Day

Costa Rica Independence Day

September 15

On this day in 1821, Costa Rica achieved independence, after having been ruled by Spain since the early 1500s. El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua also declared independence from Spain on September 15, 1821.
On the evening of September 14, the president traditionally lights a torch representing liberty in the old capital city of Cartago and, on Independence Day, gives a speech to schoolchildren. There are more speeches and dancing in San JosÉ, the modern capital.

CONTACTS:
Costa Rican Embassy
2114 S. St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
202-234-2945; fax: 202-265-4795
www.costarica-embassy.org

SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 155
NatlHolWrld-1968, p. 163

Celebration day: Sep 15