Independence Day Celebrations in Costa Rica are more muted than in the USA. But every little village and large metropolis like San Jose have parades, a night parade the night before with "faroles" which are imaginative lanterns made to resemble everything from a house to a horse, a children's parade, marching bands from various schools, the carrying of the torch to recreate the carrying of the news of independence for all of Central America on the same day, Sept. 15, from the most northern part of CA through Panama, parade floats of sorts (trucks carrying school children dressed up to represent different themes related to the country) plus some decorations, and, of course, the parade goers themselves. San Jose has a fireworks display, but most areas do not. In the zones near the border with Panama where illegal firecrackers and such can be gotten, people still set off these noisy "polveros." Every year children are injured - some very seriously - by illegal firecrackers, Roman candles, etc. The news programs always make a point of showing the injured and the injuries in gory detail in hopes it will deter this dangerous custom, but it seems to have little effect. Noise is a big part of Costa Rican holiday celebrations. Folk dancers wearing the "tipica" style costumes of Costa Rica put on shows in shopping malls and other venues. Local "ferias" often include the Costa Rican style bull fights and various horse show events.
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