Experiencing The Excitement Of Cultural Diversity In Costa Rica
By nature, most Costa Ricans are homebodies that tend to only leave home when they marry or move away to attend college. What is really huge are family oriented activities such as baptisms and weddings. Also key to Costa Rican life is that whatever the event, it is always based strictly on gender. Costa Rica is unique in that they do not strictly observe the Catholic faith like most other Latin American countries. That in fact religious gatherings are an odd combination of both faith and celebration, taking on an almost party-like atmosphere.
If given the chance to observe Costa Rican culture first hand as a tourist, you are truly fortunate. Given that Costa Rica is a faith based society, as most have been baptized Catholic, celebrations of any kind are almost strictly friends and family oriented. You will find when visiting an almost homelike atmosphere, as the culture is by far very friendly and quite generous.
Costa Rican culture is quite similar to the American south, where you are always made to feel you’re not a stranger, as if you were immediately among close family and friends. Costa Ricans are very big on hospitality, their faith (Catholicism), and family, all of which are combined when putting on a celebration. Another important aspect of Costa Rican culture is music. Tambito and punto are distinct forms of music uniquely Costa Rican in which ancient Mayan music has been combined with Afro/Cuban/Caribbean sounds. The funk music movement, so big in the United States during the 1970’s, has also found a home within Costa Rican culture, as they too have created a rather lively form of funk music.
Costa Rican food is a blend of Spanish, Mexican, Caribbean, and South American. Americans will feel quite comfortable when visiting as Costa Rica is myriad of cultures. The national language is, however Spanish, so best to brush up on the language unless you are fluent, in which case you should have no problem communicating with the natives.
A dish that is uniquely Costa Rican is “Gallo Pinto” or rather “Spotted Rooster.” The phrase is misleading as it really has no chicken in it at all. It is a dish of black beans and rice seasoned with onions, garlic, salt, and cilantro. Another is a condiment called “Salsa Lizano, which is eggs, meat and sour cream.
Arroz con pollo (rice and chicken), consists of small pieces of chicken with vegetables like carrots, peas, corn, and garbonzo beans mixed with rice. Another dish called “Olla de Carne” is a soup of chicken or other meats, and vegetables with seasoned water.
Americans will absolutely love both the Costa Rican culture and its food.
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