Costa Rica Independence Day is Sept. 15, the date in 1821 when Central America declared independence from Spain in Guatemala City. It’s a national holiday, and the whole of September is celebrated as the Mes de la Patria (Month of the Homeland). The big moments for visitors are the evening of Sept. 14, when a torch relay arrives in Cartago, the country sings the national anthem and children parade with homemade lanterns, and the morning of Sept. 15, when school marching bands fill town centers. Events are free, family-friendly and easy to join wherever you’re staying.
This guide is for travelers in Costa Rica in mid-September and anyone curious about how the country marks its independence: the history in brief, the traditions, what’s open and how to plan around the holiday.
| Costa Rica Independence Day | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Date | Sept. 15 (national holiday, observed on the date) |
| Year | 1821, independence from Spain with the rest of Central America |
| Main events | Torch relay, anthem at 6 p.m. and lantern parades on Sept. 14; school parades on Sept. 15 |
| Where | Every town; the torch ends at the ruins in Cartago |
| Cost | Free |
| Closed | Government offices, banks, schools; many other businesses |
| Weather | Green (rainy) season; drier on the Caribbean coast |
History
Costa Rica Independence: A Short History
In 1821, Costa Rica was a small, remote province of the Captaincy General of Guatemala, the Spanish colonial region that covered most of Central America. On Sept. 15, 1821, leaders in Guatemala City signed the Act of Independence, ending Spanish rule over the region without a war.
- Oct. 13, 1821: news of independence reached Cartago, then Costa Rica’s capital, weeks after the signing.
- Oct. 29, 1821: leaders in Cartago formally declared Costa Rica’s independence.
- 1820s–1830s: after a short period of division over joining the Mexican Empire, Costa Rica joined the Federal Republic of Central America, then left it in 1838.
- 1848: Costa Rica was declared a republic. The current flag dates from the same year.
- 1856: Costa Rica fought off the American filibuster William Walker. Juan Santamaría, a drummer boy from Alajuela, became the national hero at the Battle of Rivas on April 11, which is also a national holiday.
Independence came without fighting, a point Costa Ricans often connect to the country’s later decision to abolish its army in 1948. Read more about Juan Santamaría, the filibuster war and why Costa Rica has no army.
Traditions
How Costa Rica Celebrates Independence Day
Flags go up on homes, shops and cars from early September, and schools prepare all month. The celebrations build to two days.
The Independence Torch
The Antorcha de la Independencia is a relay run that carries a flame through Central America, recalling how news of independence traveled in 1821. In Costa Rica, about 22,000 students carry it from the Nicaraguan border at Peñas Blancas through Guanacaste, the Central Valley and San José. It reaches the ruins in Cartago, the colonial capital, on the night of Sept. 14. Smaller torches branch off to towns across the country.
The anthem at 6 p.m. on Sept. 14
At 6 p.m. on Sept. 14, people across Costa Rica stop to sing the national anthem, at home, in town squares and on TV and radio. Read about the history of Costa Rica’s national anthem.
Faroles: the lantern parade
After the anthem, children parade through their neighborhoods with faroles, homemade lanterns often shaped like houses, churches or oxcarts and decorated with the flag’s colors. The tradition is linked to María Dolores Bedoya, who, as the story goes, went through the streets of Guatemala with a lantern the night before independence to rally people. Faroles parades are short, local and very photogenic.
School parades on Sept. 15
The morning of Sept. 15 belongs to the desfiles, parades led by school marching bands with drums and lyres, flag bearers and students in traditional dress. Girls often wear full, colorful skirts and boys white shirts, red sashes and straw hats. In most towns, the parade route runs through the center past the church and the main park.
You’ll see red, white and blue everywhere. On Costa Rica’s flag, blue stands for the sky, white for peace and red for the blood of those who died for freedom. See our guide to the flag of Costa Rica.
Join in
Where to See the Celebrations
- Any town: the best place is usually where you’re staying. Ask your hotel where the faroles parade starts on Sept. 14 and the parade route on Sept. 15.
- Cartago: the torch’s final stop at the ruins of the old church draws big crowds on the night of Sept. 14.
- San José: the torch passes through the capital on Sept. 14, and Sept. 15 brings parades through downtown.
- Guanacaste: parades often include folk dances and sabanero (cowboy) traditions. The province also celebrates its own Annexation Day on July 25; read about Guanacaste’s history and culture.
Practical
What’s Open and Closed on Sept. 15
| Type | Sept. 15 |
|---|---|
| Government offices and schools | Closed |
| Banks | Closed; ATMs work |
| Supermarkets and pharmacies | Many open, some with shorter hours |
| Restaurants and tourist businesses | Mostly open in tourist areas |
| Tours and national parks | Usually operating; check ahead |
| Buses | Running, often on reduced holiday schedules |
Sept. 15 is a mandatory paid holiday, observed on the date itself rather than moved to a Monday. When it falls next to a weekend, many Costa Ricans head to the beach, so book popular coastal hotels early. For other dates, see our guide to Costa Rica holidays and celebrations.
Planning
Visiting Costa Rica in September
September is in the green (rainy) season. Mornings are often clear and afternoons wet on the Pacific side and in the Central Valley, while the Caribbean coast is often at its driest. It’s a quieter, lower-priced month for most of the country, apart from the holiday itself. Pack a rain jacket for evening events. See the best time to visit by region and what to do in the rainy season.
FAQ
Costa Rica Independence Day FAQ
When is Costa Rica’s Independence Day?
Sept. 15. It marks the 1821 Act of Independence signed in Guatemala City for the Central American provinces, including Costa Rica.
How many years has Costa Rica been independent?
Since 1821. Costa Rica celebrated its bicentennial in 2021.
Who did Costa Rica gain independence from?
From Spain. Independence came peacefully, without a war, together with the rest of Central America.
What happens on Sept. 14 in Costa Rica?
The Independence Torch reaches Cartago, the country sings the national anthem at 6 p.m., and children parade with homemade lanterns called faroles.
Is Sept. 15 a holiday in Costa Rica?
Yes. It’s a national holiday with mandatory pay, observed on the date. Banks, government offices and schools close.
Can tourists join the Independence Day celebrations?
Yes. Parades and lantern walks are free and open to everyone. Ask your hotel for local times and routes.
The short version
Costa Rica Independence Day is Sept. 15, marking independence from Spain in 1821.
Don’t miss the evening of Sept. 14: the torch, the 6 p.m. anthem and the lantern parades.
Expect banks and offices to close on Sept. 15, and plan for rain.