July 25th marks the anniversary of the annexation of Guanacaste by Costa Rica in 1824, and in addition to being a national holiday, it’s a celebration of peace and democracy.

The people of Guanacaste held a referendum in 1824 and voted to leave Nicaragua and become part of Costa Rica, whom they believed they had more cultural affinity for than Nicaragua.

The holiday is celebrated throughout the country, but especially in Liberia, the capital city of the Guanacaste province. There are parades, music & dance, food — and a celebration of all things Costa Rican!

School children practice for the dances that celebrate the annexation of Guanacaste