Costa Rican Music In Costa Rica

Costa Rica is such a diverse country. With an array of different ecosystems and a mixture of people with roots from all over, it is no surprise that the music has just as much diversity. Costa Rica has plenty of influences on their music: Indigenous, European, African, Western, and other Latin American countries. Therefore, music in Costa Rica stems from various genres because of the many influences from other cultures. Traditional Costa Rican music relies heavily on the indigenous, European, and African influences that are shown within Costa Rica’s own demographics. Indigenous populations have resided in Costa Rica for years. Accordingly, their traditions and aspects of their culture, such as music, will be seen throughout certain genres

Under these circumstances, African culture was intertwined with the Indigenous and Spanish cultures already within Costa Rica. It is especially apparent within the rhythm of Costa Rican music (“Costa Rican Music,” n.d.). Furthermore, the black population of Costa Rica is prominent in the Limón province. Migrants from Caribbean islands such as Jamaica, brought the Caribbean feel over with them, residing on the coast of Costa Rica. There are several types of drum and marimba that are still used in Costa Rican music from the African influence (“Costa Rican Music,”

This is no surprise, as salsa can be found in many other Latin American countries. Salsa music is very popular for dancing. It can be heard at parties, bars, clubs, anywhere people may desire to dance. It features a range of instruments and a fast-paced, upbeat rhythm. Salsa music does integrate Cuban influences; however, it was founded in New York by the Puerto Rican community (“Costa Rican Music,” n.d.). Mexico, being one of the hot-spots for Latin American music, has its own influence on Costa Rican music. Genres like Ranchera, Corrido, and Norteno can be heard throughout Costa Rica. One of the most famous Ranchera singers, while not accepted for being homosexual, came from Costa Rica. Chavela Vargas broke many gender stereotypes as she sang a style of music predominantly performed by males in pants and a poncho (Linden,