The Independence Torch: Why You May See Young Runners on Costa Rica’s Roads
Every September, Costa Rica dresses in blue, white, and red to commemorate its Independence, celebrated on September 15 since 1821. More than just a date on the calendar, Independence Day becomes a nationwide cultural celebration visible in towns, schools, businesses, and along the country’s roads. One of its most meaningful traditions is the Independence Torch, symbolizing the journey of the news of Central America’s independence. In Costa Rica, students and young people participate in relays, carrying the torch through different communities. This is why travelers may encounter groups of young runners along the highways, often accompanied by official vehicles, teachers, local authorities, and members of their communities. If you are traveling by tourist transportation during these days, enjoy this unique glimpse into Costa Rican culture while expecting occasional slower traffic and exercising extra caution around runners and roadside gatherings.
The Lantern Parade: Why Costa Rican Children Carry “Faroles” on September 14
On September 15, celebrations continue with civic ceremonies and parades in communities throughout the country. School marching bands, flag bearers, students, and cultural groups fill the streets, while schools, public buildings, homes, and businesses proudly display Costa Rica’s national colors. For visitors, these festivities are a reminder that Costa Rica is much more than beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, and wildlife—it is also a country with strong community traditions and a deep sense of national identity. Travelers should keep in mind that some streets may temporarily close and traffic may move more slowly because of local parades and celebrations. Rather than seeing this only as a transportation inconvenience, consider it an unexpected opportunity to witness a genuine Costa Rican tradition.
September 15: How Costa Rica Celebrates Independence Day
The afternoon and evening of September 14 bring another beautiful tradition: children and their families walking toward local schools carrying colorful handmade lanterns, known as “faroles.” The lanterns symbolize the light associated with the historic events surrounding Central America’s independence. Today, schoolchildren create faroles in many shapes and colors, often representing traditional Costa Rican houses, oxcarts, animals, churches, and other national symbols. Schools organize lantern parades through their communities, and at 6:00 p.m., one of the country’s most distinctive civic traditions takes place: Costa Ricans join in singing the National Anthem. For international visitors, seeing families walking together with illuminated lanterns and hearing patriotic music throughout the community can be a memorable opportunity to experience an authentic part of Costa Rican life.
More Than Beaches and Rainforests: Discover Costa Rica’s Living Traditions
Visiting Costa Rica during Independence celebrations therefore provides a chance to discover the country beyond its traditional tourist attractions. Torches, lanterns, marching bands, flags, traditional foods, music, civic ceremonies, and communities celebrating together reveal a side of Costa Rican culture that cannot easily be recreated as a conventional tourist attraction. For travelers visiting Jacó, Manuel Antonio, Quepos, or other parts of Costa Rica around September 14 and 15, even the journey itself can become part of the experience. Behind the young runners carrying a torch along the road, the children proudly walking to school with their handmade faroles, and the National Anthem heard at six in the evening is a national story shared across generations since 1821. It is an invitation to travel respectfully, drive carefully, and experience a Costa Rica that, during these special days, proudly celebrates its history, communities, and national identity.