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Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic

What do these countries have in common?

In addition to the fact that all three belong to the American continent, Costa Rica is in Central America, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are in the Caribbean; the three countries share the Caribbean Sea (although Costa Rica also has coasts on the Pacific Ocean) and belong to the Spanish-speaking countries.

COSTA RICA

Facts:

  1. Costa Rica contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity.
  2. It has no army.
  3. Costa Rica generates more than 99% of its electricity using renewable energy.
  4. It’s categorized as one of the happiest countries in the world.
  5. On the same day, you can watch the sun rise from the Caribbean Sea and also watch the set in from the Pacific Ocean.

In general, they are fun-loving, polite and courteous friendly people. There are, of course, exceptions, but in general, you can expect to be welcome wherever you go. The people of Costa Rica are very social, and enjoy gatherings and celebrations of all kinds.


10 traditions and customs of Costa Rica:

The Pilgrimage

It is a walk that begins before August 2, from anywhere in the country to the Basilica de Los Angeles, a Catholic church located in downtown Cartago.

Lantern Parade

It is a celebration in which primary and secondary school children make lanterns to carry them in a parade with their parents through the streets of San José on September 14.

The Festival of Light

Since 1996, it is customary for a colorful parade with floats and the best bands in the country to take place before Christmas along Paseo Colón and Avenida Segunda.

Lagarteada

It consists of the capture of crocodiles during Good Friday and has a history that already exceeds 150 years. It occurs in Ortega de Bolson Guanacaste and began due to the need of the farmers to protect their cattle from crocodiles, but later another reason was added: the belief that the fat of this reptile has curative properties in cases of asthma and rheumatism.

Costa Rican coffee culture

Coffee was the basis of the Costa Rican economy and an engine of its development, so it is normal to see it present in the symbols that express national identity.

Banana Culture

If coffee refers to the colonial era of Costa Rica and its more continental territory, bananas are linked to the coast of that country. This coastal area, due to its history, has been related to the metaphor of the "American dream" of Costa Ricans.

The Painted Wagon

It is a tradition that consists of painting the popular carts with geometric shapes, flowers, faces and miniature landscapes, in addition to the characteristic star points on a background of orange, white or red.

The objective is to show it off in a parade that takes place on the second Sunday of March to celebrate National Boyero Day, which is the name given to the person who cares for and guides the oxen that pull those carts.

Costa Rican masks

The masquerade is a popular Costa Rican tradition of Amerindian origin and is related to the Spanish festival of Los gigantes y cabezudos.

The Child's Prayer

Since January 6 of each year, Catholic families in Costa Rica gather with friends and neighbors to pray the joyful mysteries of the Holy Rosary.

The Guaro Shower or Basket Tea

It is celebrated when a baby is about to be born. Those close to the mother-to-be play newborn-themed games, drink coffee, eat snacks and deliver a gift for the baby.

PUERTO RICO

Facts:

  1. The currency used in Puerto Rico is the U.S. dollar.
  2. Since Puerto Rico is a territory of the United Stated, American citizens do not require a passport to enter the Island.
  3. El Yunque is the only rainforest in the U.S. Forest System and is in Puerto Rico.
  4. Flamenco beach, in Culebra, has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Beaches in the world.
  5. The Island has almost 300 miles of coastline and nearly the same number of beaches.

Puerto Ricans are characterized individually by their sympathy and intelligence and, in groups, by their shouting and passion. Each one of them carries within himself the spark of genius and geniuses do not get along with each other, which is why bringing Puerto Ricans together is easy, but uniting them is almost impossible.


10 traditions and customs of Puerto Rico

Patron Saint Festivities

They are held in the different towns of the island every year, from January to December. They are celebrated in honor of the Patron Saints of each municipality.

Bomb and Plena Festival

The Piñones area serves as the venue for the Bomb and Plena Festival. This event will allow you to learn more about these two musical genres, see live performances and even take small dance workshops.

Macabeo Festival

In December, a festival is held that honors one of the main delicacies of Puerto Rican cuisine: the macabeo.

San Sebastian Street Festivals

It is said that Puerto Rico has the longest Christmas in the world. San Sebastian Street Festivals are precisely one of the reasons why, at the end of January, you still find Boricuas in the mood to continue the Christmas party.

Applause when a plane lands

Puerto Ricans have the custom of applauding when the plane lands on the airport runway. If he asks you what it means, clapping is like a gesture of thanks for the fact that the plane landed safely on the island.

Ponceno Festival

This annual festival in the town of Ponce lasts for a full week and ends the day before Ash Wednesday. Each day of the carnival features colorful parades and activities

Heifer Festival

A heifer is a young cow, and it is the center of a popular celebration in San Sebastian. Live bands play everything from folk music to salsa, artisans and chip vendors occupy the town square, and fairground rides are staged.

New Year Eve

Many restaurants offer menus and drink specials for that night.

Mask Festival

This traditional celebration is made up of the so-called masks that come out from the early hours of the morning, in colorful groups made by hand and parade through the main streets.

Puerto Rico Day Parade in New York

Every summer on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan thousands of Puerto Ricans attend the parade, it is the largest event celebrated by Puerto Ricans in the United States.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Facts:

  1. Popular whale-watching destination during February and March when humpback whales from the North Atlantic migrate to the Bay of Samana.
  2. Dominican rum and cigars are highly rated by connoisseurs all over the world.
  3. It’s home of the highest and lower point in the Caribbean.
  4. The colonial city in the capital Santo Domingo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  5. Famous for being a top Caribbean tourism destination.

Dominicans have a reputation for being some of the friendliest people you can meet. They exude passion, in the speed at which they speak, in the way they dress and dance, and in the embrace of their fellow man, whether a neighbor or a visitor.


10 traditions and customs from the Dominican Republic you should know:

Have lunch at 12 a “Dominican flag”

What many Dominicans expect when sitting at the table at noon is to be served a plate with plenty of white rice, red beans, and chicken or beef stew.

See the "vejigazos" in the Carnival

In the Dominican Republic, almost everyone knows that it is part of the Carnival tradition to "flee from the diablos cojuelos" because they can give you a "vejigazo", that is, a whip with a cowhide bladder as part of this cultural celebration.

A Charamico for Christmas

The Charamicos are the Dominican version of the Christmas tree made with branches painted white and molded to give them the shape of a cone.

Sancocho 

On rainy days it is customary to eat Dominican sancocho accompanied by avocado.

Arroz concón

It was cooked by the servants for their masters in a pan, eventually forming a crust that remained at the bottom of the pot after having cooked the grain that the masters did not want to eat.

Dominican Carnival

The different cities organize their parades in which the influence of different cultures is noted.

Baseball

Baseball is by far the most popular sport in the Dominican Republic and many players from the country have gone on to play for the American MLB.

Ask for Blessing

This tradition involves young people "kissing" the hands of their older relatives such as their mother, father, uncle, and grandfather to ask for their blessing.

Dancing A Perico Ripiao

The typical Dominican merengue has several versions but the perico ripiao is the oldest and the one that is danced the most.

Beans with sweet in Easter

A dish made up of red beans, sugar, milk, raisins, sweet potato (sweet potato) and various spices is the best proof that Caribbean cuisine is a mixture of influences that have survived to this day, giving shape to surprising creations.


An enticing feature that draws people to the Dominican Republic, in addition to its rich traditions and lively culture, is the chance to be a part of the Dominica citizenship by investment program. This initiative enables individuals and their families to obtain citizenship by making a substantial economic contribution to the nation. Not only does this present a unique opportunity for individuals to secure a second passport, but it also plays a role in the economic advancement of the country.


References:

https://asuaire.com/blog/en/costa-rica-en/10-interesting-facts-about-costa-rica

https://www.lifeder.com/costumbres-tradiciones-costa-rica/

https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/info/facts-about-puerto-rico

https://www.uber.com/es-US/blog/puerto-rico/tradiciones-de-puerto-rico/

https://www.dominicancooking.com/interesting-facts-dominican-republic

https://www.uber.com/es-DO/blog/tradiciones-dominicanas/

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