Every September 15th, Costa Rican students fill the streets with the beat of their drums and in colorful parades commemorating, specifically, the independence day of this country which before, like all the countries in Central America, belonged to Spain. However, there has always been a debate about the date of this celebration because, although teachers lead recitals that celebrate the determination that the people of Costa Rica showed to decide upon their independence, the fact is that on September 15th, 1821 no country’s independence was declared. Not a single country in Central America declared independence on September 15th. This date only proclaims the independence of Guatemala City from the Spanish government.
The process for Costa Rica to become a sovereign and independent nation was more complex and gradual and was one that did not come together fully until 1848, the year in which the Republic of Costa Rica was proclaimed. After confirming its independence from Spain, the territory had several governments that hoped to annex themselves into a larger entity, like the Mexican Empire or the Federal Republic of Central America.
Still, it should not be underestimated, nor should we stop believing in the fact that the Declaration of Independence drafted in Guatemala on September 15th, 1821 marks the most important starting point of the process that led this nation to independence. This is an independence which current day Costa Ricans enjoy, and therefore will continue to celebrate, as they fill the streets with the colors of freedom.
