Culture of Costa Rica

Past and Recent History

During the Pre-Columbian era, the Native Americans who inhabited what is now Costa Rica were part of a cultural complex known as the Intermediate Area. The Intermediate Area comprised the geographical region between Mesoamerica and the Central Andes. The Intermediate Area of Costa Rica did not possess the culture unity which often brings people together. The groups of people who inhabited this region, mainly Native Americans, communicated in different languages and performed various customs, thus furthering the indifference. Many of the distinctive languages spoken in that era have lived on to present day Costa Rican society. People lived in small settlements which contained communal ranches. Inhabitants cultivated the enclosed fields within these areas. These zones were occupied by entire families or clans. At the time, there was a reduced propensity for communities to urbanize, or develop towns and cities. In fact, there were no population areas sufficient in order to qualify itself as a city. It was not until 1565 that a stable capital was established. Cartago functioned as Costa Rica’s first capital. Ultimately, Costa Rica declared its independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. Then Costa Rica joined the Federal Republic of Central America until 1841. After becoming its own country, Costa Rica has since transformed itself as a peaceful and stable nation.

Family

Today, traditions are more valued in rural areas than in urban areas. Large families which could have consisted of at least eight children are rooted in past traditions. The belief which Costa Ricans urged was that each child would be able to provide for their family through either a financial or domestic manner at one point in their lives. For example, it was common to see children cultivating the crops and plowing the field. Nowadays, while larger families are coveted in cities, they are also scrutinized for being a financial burden. In addition, children tend to grow up...