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costa rica, Costa Rica Independence Day, Guanacaste, Nandayure, Playa San Miguel, Pueblo Nuevo de Bejuco, Weekly Image of LIfe, Weekly Image of Life Dreams and Freedom
Many of the Central American countries celebrate Independence Day each year on September 15th. In Costa Rica, the communities gather at sunset on September 14th and watch the schoolchildren light their lanterns and sing the national anthem. This annual custom reenacts the story of the pilgrimage to Mexico to declare Independence from Spain, and the journey back to announce the victory. The final stretch was by night, and the lanterns are now Costa Rica’s annual symbols for freedom.
Using the lanterns to light their way, the villagers of Pueblo Nuevo (where I once lived) walk toward the village of Bejuco, while the children and adults of Bejuco walk toward Pueblo.
Several miles away, children from the village of la Javilla have their ceremony at their petite school, then march to Playa San Miguel, where the locals anxiously await at the intersection to the beach!
How magical it is to see the lights through the darkness, as the procession grows closer and closer! Most years the rain gods hold back the downpours, although the finale is usually a race home to beat the approaching storm!
This photo challenge is from This Man’s Journey/ the Weekly Image of Life. Perhaps I’ll be in Costa Rica for this year’s celebration f lanterns! (The bonus would be seeing those olive ridley sea turtles!)
Zeebra Designs & Destinations 
What a beautiful tradition!
Si! Some lanterns are complex and some are simple, yet they are all beautiful and magical, especially when the children peer down toward the candles! Thanks amiga, Z
So dreams of freedom, all free America. Sure were tough times like today, the world has always been complicated. Hopefully there is always peace.
Adiós
Carlos
Si, Carlos, may there be peace, siempre paz.
Beautiful lanterns! Those children are so creative! 🙂
Thanks! Yes, they are, and it’s magical to watch those lanterns in the night!
Btw: This comment of yours was hiding in the spam box with one other ‘real’ comment.
Z
What a beautiful journey of light these villagers participate in, a yearly ritual steeped in pride for their country and hope for a better future. Thanks for sharing.
Thank YOU for appreciating and for commenting! Yes, it’s a beautiful tradition, and I’m always surprised that more people (transplants) don’t make an effort to witness it! It’s their loss. Z
What a fantastic tradition! Your text and pictures always captures my imagination, and I just want to jump on the next plane to Latin America. The tourist industry ought to hire you immediately! 🙂
I knew after reading your ‘today’s’ post – before I went to sleep – that today was going to be a great day! Thanks for the unexpected chuckle! z
You’re welcome! 🙂 Have a fantastic day!
14 hours later, yes, it was a fantastic day! gracias! Z
🙂
Beautiful images of a treasured tradition. Thanks Z
Thanks, and con mucho gusto! ‘Tis my pleasure! Z
I’ve been to Mexico, but never Central America. What I know of the countries primarily is what a boater with cruising friends would know – the Rio Dulce in Guatemala, the Bay Islands of Honduras and so on – and what I’ve learned from people who’ve made their way up that hard road through Mexico to make a new life here.
These images are marvelous, and the history is so interesting. Of course Costa Rica now is developing as an ecotourist destination. I do hope the emphasis stays on the “eco” and not on the “tourist”! (At least in the most negative sense.)
You are so right! Costa Rica truly is a beautiful country, and they’ve done a fairly good job about preserving the pristine forests; unfortunately there are some who still rape the land and get by with those deeds with just a token slap, but that’s a worldwide problem.
Thanks, as always, for your thought-provoking comments! Z
Indeed it is magical to see those lanterns all lit up at night held by children looking so happy and hopeful. This is one reason we celebrate our Independence year after year. It simply reminds us how precious freedom is and that our children and the youth of today deserves to enjoy this priceless gift. Beautiful images that draws us near to the event as if we were there ourselves. Thank you.
Thank YOU! Z
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Reblogged this on Bejuco Area and commented:
Lisa has been telling over the last few years that I really need to witness this beautiful tradition. I always miss the date and remember after the event. Hopefully this will remind me that witnessing traditions of another culture can be a window into the lives of our neighbors. – Marie