This morning we went to the local pavillion to partake in their celebration of Guanacaste Day. The kids were all dressed up in traditional costumes. They shared the bringing in of the flags: the province of Guanacaste, the Costa Rican and the main town of Tilaran. They sang songs which were associated with each flag, shared a video of the annexation of Guanacaste and how they became part of Costa Rica in 1824, rather than independent. The kids then danced 3 traditional dances, they milked the goat and we were done.
Painted across the front wall of the pavillion, the back drop for the festivities, were the following phrases “Orgullosos de ser Guanacastecos” and “De la patria por nuestra voluntad“. Translated they read “Proud to be Guanacastecans” and “Homeland by our will“.
While we did not understand the majority of the speeches and song, we understood the importance of freedom by choice. Choosing where you wish to be – and in the Guanacastecans choice to be part of Costa Rica rather than independent or part of an alternate country. Walter and I have chosen this country. We are proud to be here and look forward to learning more about this location we have chosen to live.
