The best way to learn all the secrets of Christmas in Costa Rica is, of course, to ask our wonderful colleague Kathé, who is from Costa Rica.
After all these years working as part of a team at Terra Caribea, Kathé finally decided to learn French, and here’s an article she wrote herself—her very first published piece!
« In Costa Rica, starting in late November, homes, small shops, and city streets begin to be decorated. They get a head start here in Costa Rica, too!
Little by little, the chill of the trade winds from the north begins to fade. Starting in mid-December, winter ends and gives way to summer. Yes, here Christmas marks the beginning of the dry season.
On December 15 in San José, the Festival of Light is celebrated. Local businesses and cantonal committees organize a parade of floats filled with lights and colors to welcome Christmas “La Tica” style (the Costa Rican way).
This year, due to the pandemic, the Festival of Lights will not be able to take place.
However, to keep the magic of Christmas alive, a large 15-meter-tall tree is lit up with more than 34,000 lights at the children’s hospital.
Isn’t that tree impressive?
We take pride in our decorations!
Typical decorations include garlands, colorful lights, and Christmas tree lights (which, of course, come by the hundreds!), as well as bows and colorful ornaments that really bring the beautiful Christmas tree to life.
Of course, you can’t miss the traditional Christmas nativity scene, with its shepherds, sheep, streams, fountains, Saint Joseph, the Virgin Mary, the ox and the donkey, as well as the Three Wise Men on their journey to Bethlehem.
December 24 or 25?
Traditionally, families gather at the parents’ home to celebrate the Christmas spirit together until midnight on December 24. That’s when the big family dinner takes place and, of course, when gifts are handed out after Santa Claus has come.
But here’s the catch! In Costa Rica, only adults receive their gifts on the evening of the 24th. Since most children are already fast asleep by midnight, their gifts aren’t opened until December 25, as soon as they wake up.
What's for dinner?
Tamales, of course!
Apparently, there are more than 5,000 types of tamales in Latin America, and they’re made differently in every country. Although there are places where they’re eaten year-round, in Costa Rica, tamales are a tradition almost exclusively associated with Christmas.
A“tamaleada” is the process of making tamales using a family recipe. All family members take part in this task. Usually, the oldest woman in the group is the one who leads the tamaleada. The preparation is labor-intensive and takes more than a day to get everything ready. That’s why, proud of their tamales, the neighbors share them freely with everyone!
Christmas cake!
One of the country’s most popular desserts, made only at Christmas.
Of course, we’ve created our own variations and combined traditions from Spain, England, France, Italy, and Jamaica to create our very own plum pudding.
Rompope!
This delicious punch made with milk, eggs, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves is served cold. It usually calls for a little rum to round out the flavor.
There are many drinks made with milk, eggs, and liqueur that the colonizers brought to countries all over the world… thanks to the Spanish. This type of drink is typical of Costa Rica, but also of Mexico and many other Latin American countries.
As you can see, there’s no shortage of Costa Rican Christmas traditions! Nativity scenes, lights, treats, gifts, garlands, music, traditional markets, Masses… a whole array of typical delights to enjoy this special annual celebration with family.
Kathé, Terra Caribea’s logistics and accounting manager.
