The People and Culture of Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a rich and diverse culture steeped in tradition. Costa Ricans (“Ticos”, as they call themselves, a word meaning ‘small’) are very social, peace-loving folks who go out of their way to help others. It has been determined that Costa Ricans are the second happiest people in the world, and some of the longest lived people. Highly social, the population here enjoys their fiestas and “feriados” or holidays, such as Sept. 15th Independence Day, when the torch which once signaled the emancipation of several Central American countries is carried throughout the country and children make “faroles”, little houses with lights inside and parade them around the town square.

Like nearly every town, San Pablo (2km down the road) has its square, a church, and a school. The local high school (Collegio Tecnico) has been awarded the Bandera Azul (Blue Flag) for its efforts in sustainability and environmental protection. Since dissolving its army in 1948, the stable democracy of Costa Rica has worked hard to provide good education for all children here, as well as social services, protection for workers, health care for all, and a comparatively decent wage for its people.

Turrubares, which is the name of this “canton”established in 1920 (like a county), the westernmost canton of the Province of San Jose, takes its name from an indigenous chief, Turubari, and there is a river here of the same name. Turrubares is a rural farming community which also includes thousands of acres of untouched forest and Carara National Park. People still use horses here to drive their cattle and to get around. The Spanish dancing “tope” horses are the pride of those who are lucky enough to have them, and you might see a “cabalgata” or parade of these horses with skilled riders (Jack Daniels is usually present too!) if you happen to come at fiesta time.

Magnificent tope horses are part of the colorful Costa Rican culture of Turrubares canton.

traditional and delicious rice pudding:
“Arroz con leche”

The women of Turrubares are excellent cooks, proud of their “typical” foods . If you visit a local “soda”—open-air restaurant—you might try a “casado”, a plate of rice, beans, salad and your choice of chicken, pork, beef or egg. Tamales wrapped and steamed in banana leaves are traditional here, especially at Christmas, and a delicious rice pudding called “Arroz con leche”. On Sundays there is usually a “futbol” game in the park down in San Pablo, and Saturday mornings are market days, one lone truck with veggies sprawled out in crates on the street. It’s where everyone meets…the men shake hands, the women kiss on one cheek, and everyone is “pura vida”.

Places to visit in Turrubares include TuruBaRi Tropical Park, The San Pedro River, Biagual Waterfalls, and Carara National Park. We can also arrange hikes and horse rides to a nearby waterfall, or horseback rides through a coffee farm.

In San Pablo, eat at Soda Francini (open Thurs-Sun) or Gualichu. Order “Refresco” , a cold drink made with fresh fruits. There are 2 bars in the area, Bar Victoria in San Pablo, and La Mandarina in San Pedro. Karaoke and dancing happen here on weekends. We hope you will enjoy the culture of the people of Turrubares, Costa Rica.