Every October 12, Costa Rica celebrates “Día de las Culturas” (Culture Day) — a day that honors the country’s unique blend of Indigenous, European, African, and Asian roots that together form the soul of the nation. This day was once known as Columbus Day, commemorating the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas in 1492. But in 1994, Costa Rica chose a new path — renaming it Culture Day to celebrate diversity, coexistence, and mutual respect rather than discovery and conquest. The change reflected the country’s deep values of peace, equality, and inclusion, which have long been part of the Costa Rican identity. Across the country, communities come alive with colorful parades, school performances, and cultural exhibitions. You’ll see children proudly dressed in traditional outfits, dancing to folk music and Caribbean rhythms. Indigenous communities share their crafts, ancestral stories, and languages, while Afro-Costa Rican groups showcase their music, food, and traditions from the province of Limón. The celebration isn’t just about looking back — it’s also about recognizing how these cultures continue to shape modern Costa Rica. From the flavors in every traditional dish to the sounds of the marimba and calypso, from the kindness of its people to the respect for nature — Costa Rica’s identity is a living expression of its multicultural heritage. For Costa Ricans, this day is a reminder that the nation’s true beauty lies in its diversity and harmony. The mixture of influences has shaped not only the country’s history but also its food, language, music, and way of life.