Semana Santa in Costa Rica
Posted April 13th, 2006 by Christopher HowardSince Costa Rica is a Catholic country the people take Easter Week very seriously. There are many religious processions and ceremonies throughout the week.
Most Costa Ricans gather with their family members during this period for a time of reflection and prayer. Many of Costa Rica’s Nicaraguan residents travel north to their country to be with their relatives.
Over a million of the country’s people choose to spend their time with friends and family at the beach. There are virtually no hotel rooms available due to the influx visitors. Some people even camp out along the beach.
San José becomes a virtual ghost town with most of its residents and commuters on vacation. It seems like the whole city went to the beach or to other destinations. On Thursday and Friday no liquor may be sold in the country. Many residents stock up for the two ‘dry days” in advance. Due to tradition a lot of seafood is sold in the days leading up to the holiday. Supermarkets take advantage of the huge demand for fish products and display both fresh seafood and every imaginable variety of canned fish.
This year I chose to stay at home with my family instead of going to the beach. We rented movies, went out to eat several times and visited friends. I really enjoy the tranquility of this week.
