Guanacaste Day: The Annexation of Nicoya

Many Latin American countries celebrate an Independence Day annually, filling the streets with festivals, parties, and parades. While the Costa Rican Independence Day takes place on the 15th of September each year, Guanacaste Day is celebrated on the 25th of July, celebrating the annexation of the territories that now comprise Guanacaste Province from Nicaragua to Costa Rica. 

This History of Guanacaste Day

Spain colonized what is now known as Central America beginning in the 1500s, expanding its reach through to the early 1800s. In 1812, Spain divided the region into different provinces, with the two major ones being Nicaragua and Costa Rica, though Spain’s capital was located in Guatemala Province. Most of what is present day Guanacaste Province was known as the Partido de Nicoya, an area that quickly began to exercise political independence during the early 19th century. Although smaller, the regions of Santa Cruz and Liberia, which also make up present Guanacaste Province, collaborated politically with Nicoya. 

Central America declared its independence from Spain in 1821, much of which unified into the República Federal de Centroamérica, beginning a period of political instability in the region. Costa Rica and Nicaragua remained independent provinces, and the Nicoyan region was formally part of Nicaragua during and following from independence.

One month after the region’s independence, Costa Rica developed the Concordia Pact, its first legal framework. The country quickly established itself as one of the most politically and socially stable in the region, developing its reputation and identity that have persisted through to today. By contrast, Nicaragua remained politically tumultuous, seeing considerable political and civil violence throughout the region. 

Trade agreements were made early on between the Nicoyans and Costa Ricans, privileging the region’s fertile land, warm climate, and proximity. Due to the strength of their pre-existing collaborative arrangements and the social contention between the Nicoyans and the rest of Nicaragua, the Costa Rican government formally invited the Nicoyans to join Costa Rica in the early months of 1824. 

After several months of discussion and a democratic vote, Nicoya, Liberia, and Santa Cruz formally annexed from Nicaragua on the 25th of July, 1824 as one major region. Shortly thereafter, in 1848, these three regions gained status as the Guanacaste Province with four distinct cantons, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, Bagaces, and Cañas. The province later bloomed into 11 cantons, introducing Liberia, Carrillo, Abangares, Tilarán, Nandayure, La Cruz, and Hojancha. 

Guanacaste Today

Today, Guanacaste is Costa Rica’s hub for tourism but it is also a major agricultural and livestock producer. The Guanacasteños have contributed significantly to Costa Rica’s music, culture, and folklore. Some of the region’s traditional foods, such as casado, gallo pinto, and chorreadas have become household staples throughout much of the country. The marimba, a large wooden xylophone likely introduced to Guanacaste by African slaves who traveled through Nicoya to reach Guatemala, is regularly used to set the beat to cultural and traditional dances, events, and even religious ceremonies. 

If you don’t enter Costa Rica through San José, you will likely fly into the Guanacaste Airport in Liberia, which is an excellent jumping-off point for viewing the rest of the province. Liberia is the capital of Guanacaste, which makes it ideal for participating in the Guanacaste Day Festivities and Costa Rican city life. Beyond Liberia, Guanacaste boasts some of the best beaches and National Parks in the world, seeing a break from the country’s rainy season during July, making it the ideal destination for any Costa Rican trip during this time of year. 

Guanacaste Day

Ever since 1824, on the 25th of July, the whole country celebrates the region’s democratic and peaceful unification. Through Guanacaste, you are likely to hear the phrase “de la patria por nuestra voluntarila,” which translates to “patriates by choice.” Guanacasteños are proud to be Costa Rican just as Costa Rica is proud to have the Guanacasteños as part of their nation. 

On Guanacaste Day, you can expect the streets throughout most of Costa Rica, particularly in Guanacaste, to be full of parties, parades, fireworks, and celebrations commemorating this unification. Although most businesses throughout the country will be closed on July 25th, there will be no shortage of things to do and foods to eat. The streets will be lined with vendors proudly celebrating their heritage and culture. If you haven’t yet had the chance to explore some of this region’s delicacies, Guanacaste Day is one of the liveliest days of year to immerse yourself in the province’s gastronomic and music scenes. 

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