Happy Afro Costa Rican Day
What is the significance of Afro-Costa Rican History Month?
Costa Rica is defined by more than only its amazing landscapes, the beauty of its flora and wildlife, or its world-class beaches: there is something else about our country that makes us proud: our unique, multi-ethnic heritage.
Costa Rica is defined by more than only its amazing landscapes, the beauty of its flora and wildlife, or its world-class beaches: there is something else about our country that makes us proud: our unique, multi-ethnic heritage.
We must look back in time to comprehend the country's multicultural origins. With the advent of Christopher Columbus to the Caribbean coast in 1502, Jamaicans of Asian, Indian, Chinese, and Italian heritage, among others, arrived. Not to be overlooked are the indigenous Bribri and Cabécar communities, who once lived in the Talamanca mountains and still do today.
That is why, when we reach the Caribbean shore, we see the combination of good food, wonderful people, rhythmic dances, and vibrant African culture.
According to the most recent national census, 8% of Costa Ricans are of African heritage, with half residing in the Caribbean coast province of Limón.
Costa Rica declared August 31 as Da del Negro (Black Peoples Day) in the 1980s, which was later expanded to include Da del Negro y la Cultura Afrocostarricense (Black Peoples and Afro-Costa Rican Culture Day). The National Gazette published Law No. 9526 on April 26, 2018, establishing August as the Month of the History of African-Descended Peoples in Costa Rica.
This day was chosen to commemorate the First International Convention of the Negro Peoples of the World, which closed on August 31, 1920, with a ceremony in Madison Square Garden. The conference deliberations resulted in the release of the Declaration of the Rights of the Negro Peoples of the World.
The commemoration of the International Decade for People of African Descent in 2015-2024, declared by the United Nations General Assembly, provides:
- An additional impetus for the country to come together in celebration.
- Citing the need to strengthen local, regional, and international cooperation regarding the full enjoyment of economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights by people of African descent.
- Their full and equal participation in all aspects of life.
This year, for the first time, a National Agenda for the Commemoration of Afro-Costa Rican Culture was presented to promote the inclusion and visibility of Afro-Costa Rican cultural contributions.
As a result, the country is commemorating over 110 activities in a national agenda that includes talks, papers, poems, Caribbean culinary tastings, photographic displays, and cultural activities.
A colourful and musical August 31
Limón will host the 21st annual Festival of Black Culture to strengthen and preserve Afro-Costa Rican traditions. This vibrant event has filled the Caribbean province with music, celebrations, and plenty of flavour since 1999, much to the joy of domestic and foreign tourists that visit the region during these weeks.
The Civic and Cultural Committee of Limón's Black Peoples organises the activities. This crew took on the challenge of developing a project that would survive over time and ensure that the traditions of this magnificent culture were not lost. Though people can enjoy various cultural activities throughout the month, most families gather at the end of August to taste African delicacies firsthand.
The activities conclude on August 31 with the most important commemoration, Black Peoples and Afro-Costa Rican Culture Day. The Grand Parade de Gala takes place on this day. The parade starts at 12:30 p.m. from Parque Ass Esna. During the procession, families can enjoy the best of the region's music, dances, concerts, cuisine, and many other activities commemorating this important day for all Costa Ricans.
