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Language, Religion and Education
Home » Costa Rica » The People and Culture of Costa Rica » Language, Religion and EducationPosted by Your Guide on May 10, 2006 5:02 PM
The official language of Costa Rica is standard American Spanish, but the accent here is more like the Colombians than their neighboring Central American countries. If you sense their way of speaking is “sing-songy,” you aren’t imagining things. The Costa Ricans are unique in the way they put a strong emphasis on a certain sibilant pronunciation.
Religion is something that is downplayed in Costa Rica. Because the people here do not believe in fanaticism, religion does not play a large part in politics or even in their culture. Most of the population claims to be part of Catholicism, but the religion is celebrated more so to honor traditions than to encourage and celebrate faith. The one important symbol to the Costa Rican people is the Virgen do los Angeles, or what is better known as “La Negrita.” There is an annual religious tradition honoring La Negrita, which involves Costa Ricans making a trek from their homes all over the country to the location of this dark-colored stone carving in the image of Mary that is located in Cartago. 90% of the population claims a Catholic loyalty.
The Costa Ricans are very proud of their education system, and have every right to be. Compulsory education for elementary, middle and high school is offered free-of-charge to all citizens. In addition to the public education, there is plenty of private education for those who are interested. There are also four major universities locate throughout the country.
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