Yolanda Correa's Entire Presentation

Yolanda's Research Process Presentation: Christmas in Costa Rica

Reseach Method I used:

Yahoo! Web Search: “Costa Rica Traditions and Customs”
http://www.costaricaholiday.co.uk/Christmas.htm
http://www.costaricapages.com/blog/costa-rica-news/its-christmas-in-costa-rica/387
http://www.travour.com/travel-to-costa-rica/costa-rica-culture.html
http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/traditions/costa_rica.htm

Costa Ricans have their own special way of celebrating Christmas or “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. "Ticos" are what Costa Ricans call themselves, and what fellow Latin Americans call them. This affectionate nickname is rooted in the Ticos' tendency to add the diminutive "tico" to most words, as they often refer to people and things in terms of their smallness. For example, "chiquito" which means small, becomes "chiquitico", or very small.

December is probably the most festive month of the year, as the Ticos look forward to vacation from work or school, eating traditional foods, meeting up with friends and family and, of course, “mucha fiesta!”, which means lots of partying! Ticos celebrate the season with a week of fireworks, bullfights and funfairs in San José. Costa Ricans also enjoy getting together with their families to prepare for the birth of Baby Jesus and the New Year to come. Along with intense religious celebration in this predominantly Catholic country, there is another reason for an exciting atmosphere – money! Every working Tico is required by law to receive an “aguinaldo” (a Christmas bonus) from their employer. This law was established by the government, to equal to one month’s salary.

During the month of December, in Costa Rica you could really feel the Christmas spirit. The streets are full of small seasonal street vendors and people are cheerfully spending their “aguinaldo” on items such as things for the manger scenes called “Pasitos” or decorations such as lights and ornaments or handmade toys for children. December is also special in Costa Rica because the season changes from rainy to dry, and the days are cool and sunny. You can hear the Ticos say that it feels like Christmas when the cool wind comes. The nights are clear and starry, and the air is crisp compared to the other months of the rainy season.

Ticos celebrate Christmas by decorating a tree, with a gold star on top and bright lights and ornaments, much like the U.S. Almost every house in Costa Rica has a Christmas tree and presents are placed underneath for adults to give to each other near midnight on “Noche Buena”, 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. In Costa Rica, you would traditionally ask the children, “Que te trajo el niño Jesus?”, meaning, “What did Baby Jesus bring you?”

Another very important tradition is “el portal”, the portrayal of the manger scene with Mary, Joseph, animals, the three Magic Kings, and all the shepherds and their sheep. Construction of each family’s portal is a well-planned event, usually consists of a grand evening when inviting friends and family over to show off the decorations. Portals are filled with crafted wood, decorative papers of different colors, plant mosses, ramps to create different levels, multi-colored sawdust, glitter, and lots of lighting. On December 24th at midnight, not before, Baby Jesus is born and is placed in the portal where he stays until the three Magic Kings come to see him on January 6th.

Ticos have a late night Christmas Eve dinner with a pork leg and tamales. Costa Rican tamales are made from corn flour and can contain mashed potato, chorizo, rice, shredded pork or chicken, and other vegetables wrapped in banana leaves and boiled. There is a large consumption of apples and grapes during the holiday times. “Rompope” or Eggnog, heavy with rum, is drunk, while people visit friends and family to give presents before midnight. Then, the midnight mass or “Misa del Gallo” is attended. It’s a long service, but regardless of how tired they may be - Ticos manage to make it all the way through the two hour mass! With the Tico traditions of food, fun and family, Christmas is definitely the happiest time of the year!