Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture in Costa Rica

Background:

The Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture is celebrated in Costa Rica on August 31st every year. This day is dedicated to recognizing the contributions of the Afro-Costa Rican community and celebrating their cultural heritage. It was established as a national holiday in 2018, but its observance dates back to 1980.

History:

This celebration has its roots in acknowledging the importance of African heritage within Costa Rican culture. It was created to promote cultural diversity and combat racism, highlighting the history, struggles, and achievements of black Costa Ricans. The date was chosen to coincide with the month when slavery was abolished in all Central American countries.

Traditions:

On this day, various activities are organized across Costa Rica, particularly in Limón Province, which has a significant Afro-Costa Rican population. These include:

• Parades: Colorful parades with traditional Caribbean costumes are held.
• Music and Dance: There are performances featuring calypso music, reggae, and traditional dances like the rumba.
• Food: Culinary events showcase Afro-Caribbean cuisine such as rice and beans cooked with coconut milk (Gallo Pinto) or seafood dishes.
• Educational Events: Workshops, lectures, and discussions take place focusing on history, rights awareness, and cultural expressions.
• Art Exhibitions: Artistic works by Afro-Costa Rican artists are displayed to celebrate their contributions to national culture.

What People Do:

People participate in these festivities by attending events that celebrate Afro-Costa Rican culture. They dress up in traditional attire reflecting African heritage, engage with music and dance performances, enjoy regional dishes, partake in educational opportunities about Afro-Costa Rican history, support black-owned businesses and artists, and use this day as an opportunity for reflection on racial equality within society.