Costa Rica

Christmas Traditions

Costa Ricans have their own special way of celebrating Christmas, known as Navidad.  Most of the traditions are based on popular religious beliefs, and many are similar to those of other Latin American countries.  Of course, Costa Ricans always like to do things their way – the Tico way.  

December is probably the most festive month of the year, as people look forward to vacation from work or school, eating traditional foods, meeting up with friends and family and, lots of parties. 

Along with intense religious celebration in this predominantly Catholic country, there is another reason for an exciting atmosphere – money! Every working national citizen is required by law to receive an aguinaldo from their employer, a Christmas bonus established by the government equal to one month’s salary. The streets become full of people spending their bonus at the stands set up by street vendors only during the holiday season. Items for sale range from manger scenes and decorations to inexpensive toys for children. 

Also for sale in markets and street stalls are piles of gleaming apples and grapes.  Visitors may wonder where all this fruit grows in Costa Rica during December.  While many tropical fruits grow throughout the year, these are actually imported for the holiday season, as apples and grapes are a considered a special Christmas treat for many.

December is also special because the season changes from rainy to dry, and the days are cool and sunny.  You often hear locals say that it feels like Christmas when the cool winds arrive.  The nights are clear and starry, and the air is crisp compared to the muggier months of the rainy season.

Most people celebrate Christmas by decorating a tree, usually a cypress, with a gold star on top and bright lights and ornaments, much like in the U.S.  Costa Ricans generally prefer louder light decorations with plenty of odd flashing patterns.  Every house has a Christmas tree, specially cut to be big and round, and presents are placed underneath for adults to exchange near midnight on Christmas Eve.  The gifts for children come on Christmas day.  Instead of Santa coming to bring presents, Baby Jesus is credited with the wonderful gifts.  However, as more and more foreigners influence Costa Rica, Santa is starting to gain popularity. Though in Costa Rica, you still ask the children “What did Baby Jesus bring you?” 

Another important local tradition is the portrayal of the manger scene.  Construction of each family’s manger is a well-planned event, where friends and family are invited over to show off Christmas decorations. Mangers are filled with crafted wood, decorative papers of different colors, plant mosses, ramps to create different levels, multi-colored sawdust, glitter, and lighting.  On December 24th at midnight, Baby Jesus is born and is placed in the manger where he stays until the three Magic Kings visit him on January 6th.

Most families have a late night dinner of pork leg and tamales on Christmas Eve. Costa Rican tamales are made from corn flour and can contain potato puree, spicy pork sausage, rice, shredded pork or chicken, and other vegetables wrapped in banana leaves and boiled.  For a really fancy tamal, expect olives and capers in the mix.  Eggnog, heavy with rum, is drunk, while people visit friends and family to give presents before midnight.  Then, the midnight mass is attended.  It’s a long service, and many are often too tired to stay through the two hour mass.  With the local traditions of food, family and fun, Christmas is definitely the happiest time of the year in Costa Rica.

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