September 13: Preparing for Independence Day

Today we're doing an interview with Nathan and Angelina who will share what they've been learning in school in preparation for Costa Rica's Independence Day.


When does Costa Rica celebrate its Independence Day?
September 15

What did you and the other students do in preparation for the celebration?
One of our homework assignments was to make a farol, which is sort of a fancy candle holder that students use in community parades tomorrow night (September 14).
We decorated the school with red, white and blue decorations.
We've learned four patriotic songs including the national anthem of Costa Rica.

What do you know about the Costa Rican flag and what it represents?

It has red, white and blue stripes and an escudo (shield or coat of arms). 











The escudo has 7 stars that represent the 7 provinces of Costa Rica.  There are three volcanoes that represent the three mountain ranges in the country.  There are two oceans because Costa Rica has ocean on both sides.  The two boats represent the cultural and commercial exchange between Costa Rica and the rest of the world

Costa Rica has a number of national symbols.  Which one do you find most interesting and why?
 The Yigüirro is the national bird and it's a robin.  They have so many beautiful birds here like scarlet macaws, toucans, parakeets and many others and they pick a boring robin as their national bird.
 Also, the national animal is an interesting choice.  In Costa Rica there's lots of cool animals like monkeys, tapirs, jaguars and sloths but they chose a white-tailed deer as their national animal.