Performance IV (Holiday of Guanacaste's Annexation)

Date of Guanacaste's Annexation

Celebrated on July 25

Origins 

Commemorates the annexation of the province of Guanacaste from Nicaragua in 1824 and celebrates Costa Rica's core value of democracy.

Prior to 1824, Guanacaste was a part of Nicaragua; however, in 1824 Guanacaste asked to be annexed to Costa Rica rather than remain part of strife-torn Nicaragua. The fact that Nicaragua was active in many civil wars at the time increased Guanacaste's desire to be annexed to Costa Rica.

Demonstrating their pride Guanacastans possess the slogan, De la Patria por Nuestra Voluntad

Traditions

In the week leading up to July 25, all the schools, primary and secondary, have parades to the park at the center of town. These children wear masks, walk on stilts, and dress up as a variety of creatures ranging from monsters and skeletons to bulls and angels.

Folk dances compose another aspect of performance in the Guanacaste Day celebration. The most popular bailes típicos (typical dances) that occur throughout this celebration include:

the Cabillito nicoyano (Little Horse from Nicoya)

El torito (The Little Bull)

And the national step dance, the Punto guanacasteco (Guanacaste dance step)

Typical Food

1. Mazamorra
2. Resbaladera
3.  Bizcocho
4. Horchata
5. Picadillos (Papa, aracache)
6. Chicheme
7. Mondongo en salsa
8. Arroz de maíz
9. Guiso de Pipián

Students:

Alejandro Zúñiga 

Stephanie Morales