| Since the majority of Costa Ricans are not | | | | more about spending time with family and |
| indigenous to the region, Costa Rica has less | | | | partying than they are about the religious |
| cultural flair than other Latin American | | | | significance of the holiday. Religious |
| Countries such as Mexico or Guatemala. Only | | | | parades and processions occur here just as |
| one percent of the Costa Rican population is | | | | they do in other Latin American countries but |
| considered to be Indian, and there is a small | | | | lack the colorful flair that is seen |
| Latin population who identify as Ticos, but a | | | | elsewhere. This is because the Indian and |
| whopping 98 percent of the population is | | | | Latin populations are so small that they |
| white. While this has an affect on the | | | | don't offer a mix of cultural religious |
| "Latin" feel of Costa Rica, Costa Rica still | | | | practices. Costa Rica experiences two major |
| resembles most other Latin counties as it is | | | | economic shutdowns that revolve around the |
| conservative, traditional, and predominately | | | | Easter and Christmas holidays. During this |
| Catholic. Gender roles are extremely | | | | time, Businesses can be closed for up to five |
| traditional with men and women respecting | | | | days, transportation services cease, and |
| their roles within the family. Most Costa | | | | families use this time to spend time together |
| Ricans also live at home until they are | | | | and worship. Another integral part of Costa |
| married and going away to college or to find | | | | Rican tradition is the pilgrimage to Basilica |
| independence from one's family is rare. The | | | | de los Angeles. This pilgrimage takes place |
| backbone of Costa Rican culture is the | | | | each year and is in honor of the Virgin of |
| family. Family ties are of the utmost | | | | the Angels. Even though religion has taken |
| importance and some of the most important | | | | on less significance than it has in the past |
| Costa Rican traditions revolve around the | | | | and families often vacation rather than |
| family: baptisms, engagement parties, | | | | observe religious customs, families continue |
| weddings, first communions and funerals. | | | | to come together often. Large gatherings that |
| Religion also plays an important role in | | | | include extended family are common and are |
| Costa Rican culture but takes a back burner | | | | perhaps the molding ground of Costa Rican |
| to family. Many religious celebrations are | | | | culture. |