Heritage and Culture
Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection of its racial
diversity.
The predominant influence has long been European, which is reflected in
everything from the official language -- Spanish -- to the architecture
of the country’s churches and other historic buildings. The
indigenous
influence is less visible, but can be found in everything from the
tortillas that make part of a typical Costa Rican meal, to the handmade
ceramics sold at roadside stands.
An important aspect of Costa Rica’s
cultural legacy is their love for peace and democracy. The Ticos like
to stand out that their nation is the exception in Latin America, where
military dictatorships have dominated many countries in the past.
They take pride in having more than one hundred
years of democratic
tradition, and more than half a century without an army. The army was
abolished in 1948, and the money the country saves by not expending in
military issues is invested in improving the Costa Ricans’
standard of living, which has fostered a culture of social peace that
makes it such a pleasant place to visit. |
