Mother’s Day is a national holiday in Costa Rica. Banks, schools, government offices, and many private business are closed and everyone honors their mother (or her memory) in the style that most befits their budget.

Some families give Mom the day off from her normal love-fueled family management tasks and prepare a special meal for her in the home. Others lavish her with flowers, candy and gifts. Nearly everyone tries very hard to spend at least part of the day with their mother. Mother’s Day is only behind Christmas and Easter in terms of prominence in Costa Rican holidays.

So whether your mother is furry, feathered or flesh, why not wish her a happy Costa Rican Mother’s Day for all that she has done for you?