Since 1994 Costa Rica has commemorated Día de las Culturas (Cultures Day) on October 12th. Día de las Culturas is a celebration of cultural diversity throughout Costa Rica and the world. At my school we celebrate this day so our students can learn about diverse people, heritages and cultures. This is also a day for our students to learn more about the history of Costa Rica and the impact of colonization then and globalization today. We encourage our students through lessons and educational activities to think deeply about the past, present and future.
The day was formerly called Día del Descubrimiento y de la Raza (Day of Discovery [of the Americas] and Race) since 1968. The legislature at the time said the holiday should commemorate the communities of Latin America that are tied together through Catholicism, history and tradition. It is still called this day in many Spanish speaking countries.
Christopher Colombus came to Costa Rica on his fourth trip to the Americas from Europe in 1502. It was an unexpected arrival in Limon after a storm. Here he met the BriBri people who were wearing shiny jewelry. Word was sent back to Spain that there must be plenty of gold here, hence the name “Rich Coast.” In the subsequent years more and more European settlers came and the process of colonization took place. The Indigenous people contracted diseases such as smallpox from the Europeans who came. Many died from these diseases. As more Europeans came and moved throughout Central America, more Indigenous people were killed by their brutality, in slavery, and during violent conflicts.
Today, Costa Rica is a blend of ethnicities: Spanish and European heritage with Indigenous, Jamaican/West African, Chinese, and other immigrant groups. 8% of Costa Ricans are Black. Less than 2% of Costa Ricans are Indigenous. The official language is Spanish, but large portions of the populations speak English, Bribri, creole Mekatelyu, and Mandarin Chinese as their first language. Costa Rican culture is also heavily influenced by religion, the natural environment, food, and much more.
At school today we spent time listening to guest speakers, playing games, learning new dances and watching films. I asked some friends to lend their time and expertise and they showed up with such grace and wisdom! Through them we went to India, Scotland, Jamaica, Italy, Sudan, Ethiopia, Liberia, South Dakota, Philadelphia, and back. We thought about cultural clashes, colorism, the role of culture in science, and the danger of single stories. We also painted a lovely mural as part of a weekly community arts initiative. I know my mom would’ve loved it so much!
Be Like Barb 
What an awesome celebration! Thanks for sharing all the info. Yes, your mom would have been very proud! How many in your class? In school?
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