🇨🇷 Costa Rica Independence Day Celebrations

Costa Rica celebrates 205 years of Central American independence from Spain with two days of colorful traditions, community celebrations, music, and parades.

🕯️ September 14 — Independence Eve

Freedom Torch Relay (Antorcha de la Libertad)
The Freedom Torch travels on foot from Guatemala through Central America, arriving in Costa Rica and making its way to Cartago, the country’s former colonial capital. Student runners carry the torch along the main roads, often accompanied by crowds, police escorts, and support vehicles.

6:00 PM — National Anthem
At exactly 6:00 PM, people across Costa Rica pause to sing the national anthem together — in schools, town squares, homes, restaurants, and communities throughout the country.

Evening — Lantern Parades (Desfile de Faroles)
One of Costa Rica’s most beloved Independence traditions. Children and families parade through their neighborhoods carrying handmade lanterns, often beautifully decorated in the colors of the Costa Rican flag. Local parades take place in communities throughout the country.

🇨🇷 September 15 — Independence Day

National Holiday & School Parades
The morning is filled with Independence Day parades, featuring school marching bands, drums, flag bearers, and students in full uniform. Larger cities host major celebrations, while smaller towns turn their main streets into community gatherings as families watch the local schools march by.

Celebrate in Nosara

See full details on Nosara’s Independence Day celebrations below, including what’s happening, when and where to go. Come out, join the community, and experience the traditions and culture of the proud and free Costa Rican people.