Annexation Day – Culture in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

What is Annexation of Guanacaste Day in Costa Rica?

On July 25th, Guanacaste, one of Costa Rica’s seven provinces, celebrates its most significant cultural holiday: Annexation Day. This day marks the incorporation of the “Partido de Nicoya” into the State of Costa Rica, which occurred on July 25, 1824. The celebration is an annual civic event, particularly vibrant in Guanacaste, where it is celebrated with a wide array of cultural activities.

What are the Main Attractions of these Celebrations and where do they take place?

The main activities are carried out in small towns and cities such as Liberia, Nicoya and Santa Cruz. Cultural activities are held for a whole week. It is one of the most popular festivals in the whole country with concerts, parades, folk dances, bull riding, cultural activities, crafts, “bombas” and typical food are just some of the things that you can enjoy in the company of the locals and visitors. One of the main activities is the TOPE DE CABALLISTAS. A large number of horses from all parts of the country parade along the main avenue of the city. Thousands of people enjoy the horse show, which is accompanied by musical groups, which is a quintessential activity of Guanacaste.

Annexation Day is a time for “Guanacastecos” to showcase their proud cultural heritage as well as to honor the traditions passed down from their ancestors. One of these popular traditions is the "bombas", a folkloric, humorous poem similar to a limerick. We are lucky to have Farid Nema, a nationally renowned folklorist on our staff. Every year he serves as Master of Ceremonies not only at Intercultura Costa Rica but also in the famous celebrations in Nicoya. He joins in hosting the activities and receiving the Costa Rican president and the First Lady.

Local schools also play a significant role in the celebration, with students performing traditional dances and showcasing cultural traditions. They also sell typical foods, adding to the festive atmosphere in their communities.

Bicentennial of the Annexation of Guanacaste - July 2024

In July 2024, the Bicentennial of the Annexation of Guanacaste was celebrated in Nicoya with a series of events filled with culture and tradition. The festivities included civic ceremonies and traditional costume presentations, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the region. As every year, one of the standout moments was the participation of renowned popular poet Farid Nema, who delighted the audience with his "bombas," capturing the essence of the Guanacaste spirit.

On July 25, 2024, our Spanish School in Sámara Beach participated in the celebrations for the Bicentennial of Guanacaste's Annexation with cultural activities, showcasing the rich heritage of the region. The events included traditional dances, "bombas" performed by students and staff, and typical Guanacaste dishes for cultural days.

In the evening of the 25th, the school organized a shuttle bus for the students to experience the festivities in Nicoya, providing them with an unforgettable cultural experience.

The celebration was further enriched by a special visit from Canadian Ambassador Elizabeth Williams, who attended our celebrations on July 24. She enjoyed the "baile típico," a traditional dance performance accompanied by live Marimba music, which highlighted the vibrant cultural expressions of Guanacaste.

Intercultura's beachfront location provides a perfect setting for these festivities, enhancing the cultural immersion experience for both students and visitors. Our Spanish immersion school emphasizes integrating language learning with cultural experiences, and this celebration is a highlight for many Spanish students studying with us during the month of July.