How Did Costa Rica Influence Spanish Culture

Costa Rica was first inhabited by its indigenous people sometime between 12,000-11,000 years ago. They were thought to have been nomadic hunters. The first Europeans to arrive were the Spanish in 1502 with the arrival of Christopher Columbus (on his fourth journey) at Puerto Limón. Over 50 years later, in 1561, the Spanish had set up settlements in what is now Cartago in the Central Valley. By the end of the sixteenth century, Costa Rica participated in colonial trade, mostly with foodstuff such as corn, beans, honey and chicken. After centuries of oppression from the Spanish, Costa Rica gained its independence along with Mexico and other central American countries around 1821. The history of Costa Rica from the indigenous people to the Spanish who explored and colonized it, helps explain the various influences on its culture and communication. Costa Rica has been heavily influenced by Spanish culture including the Caribbean province of Limón and the Cordillera de Talamanca which are influenced by Jamaican immigrants and indigenous

The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. However, there are also many local indigenous languages, such as Bribrí that is spoken by its indigenous natives. English is the first foreign language and the second most taught language in Costa Rica followed by French, German, Italian and Chinese. A creole language called Mekatelyu is also spoken in Limón. There is also a phrase that is commonly spoken in Costa Rica called pura vida which literally means pure life, with connotations that suggest translations such as “full of life”, “this is living!”, “going great”, or “real living”. The phrase can be used both as a way a greeting or farewell, as an answer expressing things that are going well, as a way of giving thanks, or showing appreciation. In modern-day usage, the saying goes beyond its simple translation: it’s a way of life. It is a perspective to life that evokes a spirit that is carefree, laid back and