Independence Day in Costa Rica: A Celebration of Freedom and Tradition
Costa Rica’s Independence Day, celebrated on September 15, is a significant event that unites the country in a display of national pride, history, and culture. It commemorates the day in 1821 when Costa Rica, along with other Central American nations, gained independence from Spanish rule. For Costa Ricans, this day is a reflection of their dedication to peace, democracy, and their rich cultural heritage.
On the eve of Independence Day, the country’s children participate in a lantern parade. The lanterns, known as “faroles,” symbolize the light of freedom. These lanterns are handmade, often resembling traditional Costa Rican houses or national symbols, and are proudly carried through the streets. Each school organizes a parade every year. Make sure and keep your eyes peeled on Saturday, the 14th for the local Playa Grande Parade. The parade will happen as soon as the sunsets to allow the lanterns to illuminate.
The Local Dishes
Costa Rica’s Independence Day is not only about national pride but also an opportunity to indulge in the country’s culinary delights. Traditional dishes such as gallo pinto (a rice and beans dish), tamal (a corn-based meal wrapped in plantain leaves), and chifrijo (a mixture of rice, beans, pork, and avocado) are enjoyed by families as they gather to celebrate.
Costa Rica’s Independence Day is more than just a holiday; it’s a celebration of the country’s identity as a peaceful, democratic nation. Make sure and join us in the restaurant at RipJack Inn on Sunday the 15th of September to enjoy the best Chifrijo in town!
Today’s day time high was 36 degrees Celsius/98.6 degrees Fahrenheit! January through April are some of the hottest months in Costa Rica, especially up in Guanacaste. The saving grace is that during this time of the year there is barely any humidity, the water is clear and cool, and there is typically a steady breeze.
Few things are better during the heat of the day than an icy cold fresh fruit smoothie. Costa Rica is home to an extensive collection of exotic tropical fruits, which makes our smoothies some of the best. After spending the morning surfing, practicing yoga, or taking a long beach walk, enjoying a custom-made smoothie from our shaded canopy-level restaurant is a great way to cool off and rejuvenate.
You can choose from a delicious assortment of fruit, vegetables, and herbs, such as banana, pineapple, mango, lime, beet, celery, cucumber, carrot, apple, mint, ginger, and basil. All of the fruit and vegetables at our smoothie bar are locally grown. If you can’t make up your mind or are new to the smoothie creation game, fret not, we have a menu of smoothie combinations that are sure to quench your thirst and cool your soul.
Treat yourself to a super smoothie at the RipJack Inn
What’s unique about our smoothie bar though is that we offer a selection of add-ins to take your smoothie to the next level. Superfood add-ins are a tasty way to treat your body to some powerful nutrients and minerals. You can add moringa, flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and or amaranth to any smoothie.
These five plant-based ingredients are incredibly nutrient-dense and highly beneficial to your body. These ingredients are also what I like to call sneaky powerhouse foods. They will not affect the taste of your smoothie or whatever else you add them into, but they will provide a burst of amazing vitamins and minerals.
Moringa
Moringa is most commonly found in powder form and comes from the leaves of the moringa tree. The pods, roots, bark, flower, and seeds are also edible and nutrient-rich. This superfood is chalked full of vitamin A, C, and E, calcium, potassium, and protein. Moringa is a highly effective anti-inflammatory, as well as an antioxidant. It has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and helps support the heart, brain, and liver.
If you haven’t already started adding moringa to your smoothies, today is a great day to start.
Flaxseed
One tablespoon of flaxseed contains a great deal of protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed is an excellent source of plant-based protein. This seed may also help lower blood pressure, control blood sugar, improve cholesterol, and reduce the risk of cancer.
Super nutrients in just one tablespoon
Chia Seed
Chia seeds are an omega-3 and protein-packed superfood. They are also high in antioxidants, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These teeny tiny seeds promote healthy skin, reduce signs of aging, support the digestive system, strengthen bones, and protect the heart. There is no reason not to add these to your smoothie!
Hemp Seed
Hemp seeds are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. A healthy dose of these fatty acids helps to promote cell growth. In a sun-drenched environment like Playa Grande, adding hemp seeds to your smoothie can help repair sun-damaged skin.
Amaranth
Amaranth is a grain-like seed, but don’t worry; it’s gluten-free. Amaranth contains anti-inflammatory properties and is a strong supporter of the immune system. This ancient seed contains vitamin A, C, E, K, B5, B6, folate, niacin, and riboflavin. It is also loaded with calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, copper, and phosphorus. These minerals help to build strong bones and muscles, aid hydration, and increase energy levels.
Try one or any combination of these add-ins in your smoothie and start reaping the benefits of these powerhouse plants!
To ensure that you have the best possible getaway in Costa Rica, follow these safety and wellness tips. A few precautions, avoidances, and small efforts can make the difference between a positively memorable vacation in Costa Rica and a would-like-to forget one.
Wear Sunscreen
ALWAYS. Trying to get a base tan the first day basically means that you will be crispy for the rest of your vacation. The sun in Costa Rica is extremely strong, whether it is a cloudless or cloudy day. While a sunburn never feels good, having a sunburn while in a hot tropical environment is next level discomfort. Avoid a painful burn, a nasty peel, and pre-mature signs of aging by coating up every time before you walk out into the sun.
To help protect the coral reefs and ocean environment, please avoid using sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. Hawaii has already banned these two ingredients because they are greatly contributing to the death of our coral reefs and are actually proving to be harmful to us as well. Stay tuned next week for a guide to ocean-friendly sunscreens and products to bring, buy, and use in Costa Rica.
There are mosquitos all year around in Costa Rica and unfortunately, some of those mosquitos carry dangerous viruses like dengue, chikungunya, and zika. There are quite a few natural mosquito repellents that are made in Costa Rica (check out the RipJack Inn gift shop) that work really well. Whatever brand or type you decide to use, use it liberally while in Costa Rica.
Stay hydrated
Between the heat, humidity, and likelihood that you will be engaging in some active activities, it is crucial that you drink enough water throughout the day. Dehydration and heat exhaustion will definitely put a damper on your fun level. You should be drinking at the very least two liters of water a day, but more if you are surfing or doing any other type of physical activity. Bring or buy a reuseable water bottle to fill up while in Costa Rica to help reduce single-use plastic waste.
A delicious and hydrating treat that you should definitely indulge in daily is an iced cold pipa (a fresh coconut). Coconut water is chalked full of electrolytes and potassium, which are key for hydration and energy. You can often spot a guy walking on the beach or close to it with a cooler filled with them.
A rip current is a very strong and often narrow current that can rip an unsuspecting ocean-goer right out to sea in the blink of an eye. Playa Grande, among many other beaches in Costa Rica and around the world are susceptible to these dangerous currents. However, if you follow these tips, you will be fine.
Don’t panic.
Don’t try and fight the current by swimming against it.
Because rip currents are often narrow and don’t typically go that far out, the best approach is to either try and exit the current by swimming parallel to it or let it take you out, and once it eases up then turn and swim diagonally back to shore.
If you are not a strong swimmer, call for help and float on your back to conserve energy.
When you look out at the ocean, you can usually tell where these currents are. It is important to be aware and alert anytime that you go into the ocean.
Taking a guided river boat tour up the Playa Grande estuary or down the Tempisque river is an extraordinary and wildlife-rich nature tour. You’ll definitely see a lot of crocodiles. The key here is to observe the creatures of the river from a boat. Costa Rica is home to a very large population of crocodiles and the rivers and river mouths are their territory. Bull sharks also really love river mouths for their murky and food dense waters. While incidences are very rare, it is just a safer call to avoid swimming in the rivers and instead opt to cool off in the sea or swimming pool.
While Costa Rica is a relatively safe country, one thing that is quite common is petty theft. Do not leave anything out that could possibly tempt a thief to break into your car or home base. Don’t leave anything unattended on the beach that you would be devastated if it was not there when you returned. Don’t leave your house unlocked and lock up your passports and highly valuable items in a safe. As long as you take the time to secure your belongings, you should have no issues.
Drive slowly
Slow down. The streets of Costa Rica are often only two lane, dotted with pot holes, slicked with loose gravel, lacking guard rails, and shared with iguanas, birds, snakes, crabs, sloths, monkeys, cows, horses, goats, dogs, cats, pedestrians, and children. You are on vacation, slow down, and just arrive when you arrive. And while you are driving slowly, enjoy the exquisite scenery and roadside wildlife.
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