Cultural diversity in Costa Rica

It is worthwhile to discover the diversity of cultures in Costa Rica. While travelling through the country you may not get an idea of Costa Rica as a multicultural society. It is because a vast majority of the population are descendents of the Spaniard. In contrast to other Central-American countries the presence of the native population is quite limited.
But in the course of the century’s people from all over the world migrated to Costa Rica and enriched the country with their habits and culture.

The Spaniards, who were the colonizers of nowadays Costa Rica, formed just a first wave of immigrants. They mixed with the local native people. In the 19th century mainly Jamaican workers came to Costa Rica to build the railroad between San José and Puerto Limón. After finishing their job they stayed and found opportunities at the emerging banana plantations in the Atlantic lowlands. At the same time Chinese labourers entered the country followed by Italian immigrants.

At the end of the 20th century thousands of Nicaraguan, Salvadorian and Columbian refugees fled to Costa Rica during the civil wars in Central America. Tens of thousands of Nicaraguan migrants followed them in the search for a better future in Costa Rica.

Migrants started their life on earth once belonging to the native indigenous people. An encounter with them is always a special and inspiring experience.
Notwithstanding the fact that the native people count for just 2% of the total population, they try to maintain and save their traditions: there are still 8 tribes that struggle for the surviving of their identity.

The population of Guanacaste, the north-western province of the country need to be mentioned either here. It is known for their vivid folkloric traditions and the way of life stemming from the savannahs.

More information about four different groups you will find under ‘read more’ alongside.