

Ticos are very patriotic and proud of their homeland. The clicking of heels by Guanacasteco dancers is reminiscent of Andalusian zapateado, while other folk dances include El Punto Guanacasteco, Los Amores de Laco, La Cajeta, La Flor de Caña, El Torito, El Zapateado, El Pavo or La Botijuela… They are the most faithful representation of the past’s social and cultural life in the province. Guanacaste’s traditional dances have survived over time.

Musicians are important figures in society, respected and esteemed being musical is a natural talent for most Guanacasteco sabaneros. One of the provinces best known for its music is Guanacaste, in the northwest of the country. Ticos spend a lot of time with their family: weekends, celebrations of all kinds, activities, days out and vacations.Īnother crucial value in Costa Rican society is its deep respect for the environment, as well as cleanliness and hygiene.Ĭaring for the environment is taught from an early age.Īs in any self-respecting Latino culture, Costa Ricans love music and dancing.Ī favorite Sunday activity is karaoke, with an evening of song in the local bar to the sounds of merengue and salsa. It pops up in the conversation at all times – when saying hello, goodbye, how you doing, thank you… the words “Pura vida” will always pop up, and truly encapsulate the Costa Rican population’s friendliness.Ĭatholic tradition is deeply rooted in Costa Rica, and family values are an essential part of life. There are plenty of reasons that their famous maxim “ Pura Vida” (pure life) has become one of their national emblems. On the dessert menu, “ Tres Leches” (three milks) cake is one of the most popular: this sweet and spongy little cake has, as its name suggests, a strong taste of condensed milk.Ĭosta Ricans, also nicknamed “ Ticos” and “ Ticas” across Latin America, are renowned for their hospitality and good humor.Ceviche : a delicious dish of raw white fish or seafood, marinated in lemon juice and seasoned with red onion and cilantro.Empanadas : these tasty bites are small fried pastry turnovers – sweet or savory, and stuffed with spicy chicken, apple, guava jam or even cheese.Usually based on a tuber, like potato or arracacha, it often includes squash and cilantro. Picadillo : « Picar » is Spanish for “mince” – picadillo is a mix of finely-diced vegetables serving as side salads.A banana leaf is used to wrap a mix of corn flour, raisins and pork, and cooked in boiling water. Tamal : a favorite of Costa Ricans for the holidays, especially Christmas.
#Ticos and ticas costa rica full
Casado : a typical workman’s dish, casado is a full meal made up of rice, beans, tomatoes, plantains, chopped cabbage and your choice of meat, chicken or fish.It’s a breakfast staple here, along with eggs, cheese and bacon. Gallo Pinto : this artful blend of rice, beans, onions and spices, seasoned with fresh cilantro, is a Costa Rican must.

Costa Rica’s staple foods are rice and black beans, found in most of its traditional dishes.
