Las Mascaradas in Costa Rica are quite a celebration!
Today it’s Halloween in the United States, and Costa Rica has its way to celebrate it. Since 1996, Costa Rican government declared October 31st, National Mascaradas’ Day… But what are mascaradas? “Mascaradas” are masks made of paper and bigger than a person’s head. Those masks…
Why don’t we celebrate Columbus Day?
By Javier Arguedas 3 min read October 12 °. It is not a date to celebrate, but to reflect. The “Encounter of Cultures” is the official name that this celebration receives since it celebrates Christpher Columbus’s arrival to the “New World” and it was the…
Carbon neutrality…the way to go
4 min read Ok, you might think that since we’re from a country so highly ranked in sustainability and renewable energy, environmental concern is our DNA right? Well, perhaps you’re right. At least in part. In Costa Rica we’re so used to renewable energy that…
Mascaradas: A Colorful Tradition in Costa Rica
By Diane Román Some days ago, our University of Michigan group visited a Mascarada workshop in Escazú, a community close to San José downtown. “Mascaradas” are a tradition in Costa Rica. It consists of masks made of paper bigger than a person’s head. Those masks…
Fresh, Delicious and Cheap Products: Visiting Local Markets in Costa Rica
By: Diane Román It’s Sunday and many people wake up very early. They want to get fresh fruit and vegetables for their weekly meals. Every weekend, many Costa Rican farmers sell their products in local fairs on the street. In these fairs, which are called…
Politics and Religion Through Costa Rican History
Religion, gender, and politics are difficult topics to talk about in Costa Rica. Kattia Castro Flores knows it very well, but she is not afraid of it. This mother, theologist, and feminist (although it sounds contradictory) has been studying for years the relationship of these…