Nestled in the vibrant province of Guanacaste, the historic town of Nicoya is currently in the midst of a celebration of monumental significance—the Bicentennial of its Annexation to Costa Rica.

This grand event marks 200 years since the Partido de Nicoya chose to unite with Costa Rica. This decision has profoundly shaped the region’s cultural and historical landscape. As we approach the big day on July 25th, the Municipalidad de Nicoya has declared Nicoya the official capital of Costa Rican culture, further emphasizing its rich heritage and enduring legacy.

The Historical Context: A Vote for Unity

On July 25, 1824, the inhabitants of the Partido de Nicoya voted to join Costa Rica, driven by a shared vision of prosperity, stability, and cultural affinity. This decision, celebrated annually as Guanacaste Day, symbolizes the harmonious integration of Nicoya’s indigenous roots into the broader Costa Rican identity.

The annexation not only bolstered Costa Rica’s territorial expanse but also enriched its cultural mosaic.

Bicentennial Celebrations: A Cultural Extravaganza

Nicoya buzzes with excitement and pride as the Bicentennial celebrations are in full swing. The festivities commenced on July 20th, with the town’s streets and plazas coming alive with vibrant cultural expressions. 

The “Caballito Nicoyano,” a traditional horse parade, set the tone for the celebrations, showcasing the region’s equestrian skills and folkloric traditions.

As the clock ticks closer to the grand day on July 25th, the plaza of the Colonial Church continues to be a bustling hub of activity. The Bicentennial Cultural Festival features performances by renowned bands such as Malpaís, Marimba Orquesta La Maribel, and Los Golobios. 

The community is treated to folk dances, retahílas (traditional rhyming dialogues), and bombas (poetic interludes), each narrating the story of Nicoya’s past.

Embracing Cultural Heritage: Art, Food, and Education

The declaration of Nicoya as the capital of Costa Rican culture is a testament to its enduring cultural significance. This recognition not only honors the town’s historical contributions but also positions it as a place that prides itself on cultural preservation and innovation. The celebrations reflect this duality, blending time-honored traditions with contemporary cultural expressions.

Nicoya’s rich cultural tapestry is woven from diverse threads of indigenous, colonial, and modern influences. The town’s commitment to preserving its heritage is evident in the continued practice of traditional dishes, architecture, and crafts such as pottery, which dates back to pre-Columbian times. 

Art 

Nicoya embraces modernity, integrating new forms of artistic expression and technology into its culture. The Bicentennial celebrations showcase this fusion, featuring not only traditional music and dance but also contemporary art installations and digital exhibitions that reinterpret Nicoyan history for a new generation. 

This was reinforced on Sunday, July 21, with the inauguration of the new Annexation Bicentennial  Boulevard. Adorned with a mix of modern infrastructure and traditional artwork. (photos courtesy of the Municipalidad de Nicoya)

And as always, there is never a shortage of the traditional Chorotega ceramics, a revered intangible cultural heritage of Costa Rica. These traditional pieces embody the rich artistic traditions of Guanacaste’s indigenous people. 

This ancient craft, passed down through generations, involves a meticulous process of clay preparation, molding, polishing, and painting using natural pigments called curiol, which are ritualistically extracted from local hills. (photo courtesy of the Ministerio de Cultura y Juventud)

The distinctive Chorotega style features earth-tone colors and intricate designs often depicting local flora and fauna, with each piece serving as a living connection to the region’s pre-Columbian past. (photo courtesy of the Ministerio de Cultura y Juventud)

Today, artisans like Maribel Sánchez Grijalba continue to preserve and promote this cultural legacy through community initiatives, workshops, and the Ecomuseum of Chorotega Ceramics, ensuring that this valuable tradition remains alive and vibrant for future generations.

Food 

The town’s approach to gastronomy epitomizes this balance between tradition and innovation. While traditional dishes like gallo pinto, chi frio, ceviches and tamales (often served mid day with a “cafecito”) remain staples, chefs across the country are reimagining these classics with modern twists, honoring the roots of Costa Rican cuisine while offering a new culinary adventure.

However, you will not experience true traditional Costa Rican food without the tortilla –  served with almost every dish or on its own with some mantequilla. 

The Tortilla is a labor of love – from the growing, picking, drying and grinding of the corn, to the “manos” that pass delicately and shape them. Cooked over the fire of a fogon—the traditional wood burning stoves of the locals, Costa Rican tortillas are a staple and are used to clean the plate to make sure that you get every piece of rice and frijole. 

Education

Education plays a crucial role in this cultural continuum. Local schools and cultural centers offer programs that teach traditional skills and knowledge alongside modern subjects year round, ensuring that young Nicoyans are grounded in their heritage while being prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.

Guanacaste is also known for its multitude of private schools that offer traditional, non traditional, and bi-lingual schools from La Paz to San Ambrosio, there are options for everyone. 

Unfortunately, there was a shift after the pandemic that impacted the urban area school significantly and put a spotlight on what needs to be done to help the education system thrive again. Luckily, they have begun refocusing efforts on closing the gap the pandemic created and prioritizing education once again. 

Nicoya Historic Architecture

The architectural landscape of Nicoya tells a similar story of harmonious coexistence between old and new. Colonial-era buildings such as the San Blas Colonial Church and Museum stand alongside modern structures, with many new developments incorporating elements of traditional design. 

This architectural dialogue serves as a visible reminder of Nicoya’s journey through time. (photos courtesy of The Voz of Guanacaste)

As Nicoya celebrates its Bicentennial, it does so not as a town frozen in time, but as a dynamic community that values its past while actively shaping its future. The festivities themselves are a testament to this approach. With the use of social media and digital platforms to share Nicoya’s story with a global audience, they still center on the physical gathering and communal celebrations that have been at the heart of Nicoyan culture for centuries.

San Blas was also given the Blue shield prior to the kick off of the Bicentennial festivities. A symbol that identifies buildings of significant cultural heritage, marking them for special protection during armed conflicts, natural disasters, or man-made calamities.

 This internationally recognized emblem helps nations prioritize the preservation of irreplaceable cultural assets in times of crisis, signaling the importance of safeguarding these properties from damage or destruction.

This balance between heritage and progress positions Nicoya not just as a custodian of Costa Rican culture, but as a model for how communities can honor their roots while embracing the opportunities of the modern world. 

As it moves into its third century as part of Costa Rica, Nicoya continues to demonstrate that cultural preservation and progress are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary forces that can drive a community forward while keeping its unique identity intact.

Reflecting on the Past, Inspiring the Future

The ongoing celebrations echo Nicoya’s rich cultural heritage, painting a vivid picture of the town’s 200-year journey. The Bicentennial is more than a historical marker; it’s a celebration of the values of unity, cultural diversity, and communal resilience that have defined Nicoya’s identity.

The Municipality of Nicoya, alongside the Ministry of Culture and Youth, invites everyone to partake in this grand celebration. It is an opportunity to not only honor the past but also to engage with the present and inspire future generations. Through music, dance, and storytelling, the spirit of Nicoya will resonate, illuminating the path forward.

A Connection to the Blue Zone Lifestyle

Nicoya’s status as one of the world’s Blue Zones—regions where people live significantly longer and healthier lives—adds another layer of depth to these celebrations. The lifestyle and cultural practices that contribute to this longevity are woven into the fabric of the Bicentennial festivities. 

Blue Zone Legal is proud to be part of this vibrant community, celebrating Nicoya’s rich heritage and promoting the values that make this region unique.

As the sun sets over the lush landscapes of Nicoya, the echoes of its rich cultural heritage will continue to resonate across Costa Rica, a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Partido de Nicoya’s choice 200 years ago. Let us come together to celebrate this bicentennial, cherishing the vibrant culture and history that make Nicoya a jewel in Costa Rica’s crown.