(Head to the Roblealto Association page on facebook for pictures!!) I was so proud of them! To play in the band, they had to keep their grades up and of course, be able to play the lira (like a marching xylophone), drums or cymbals. It is so awesome to see these kids, who the world considers "failures" being totally successful and growing and learning and improving. I LOVE IT!!! After the parade, all the kids from the Bible Home had a picnic and then in the gymnasium next to the plaza (soccer field in front of the Catholic church that marks the center of pretty much every town in Costa Rica) they had a whole bunch of games. I participated in the jump rope contest and won! I did 115 jumps. A girl from the Bible Home did 97 and one of the boys that just came to the Bible Home a few weeks ago did 121!! What a champ!
More about Independence Day Festivities on the blog!
Have a great rest of the week!
Love,
Carrie
PS Don't forget to go to the Roblealto Association facebook page for pictures!
There's something in Latino culture about celebrating things the day before, or at least getting things started. Here, Dec 25 is NOT a big deal. It's all about the 24th. On September 14th, they get the Independence festivities going at 6pm.
In pretty much every town in the country, everyone gathers on the plaza and sings the national anthem. (I learned the anthem for Independence Day last year. Now
I really know it by heart!) They have a torch that, like the Olympic torch, is passed through all the countries in Central America who share our Independence Day (The torch's destiny is Cartago, the original capital city of Costa Rica). Then, after a little traditional dance presentation, they have a parade around town. All the children make faroles, some kind of lantern-ish thing that is usually either a traditional house, oxcart, or something else symbolic of the country. Talk about some major creativity! In the olden days they would always light the faroles with candles.
I really know it by heart!) They have a torch that, like the Olympic torch, is passed through all the countries in Central America who share our Independence Day (The torch's destiny is Cartago, the original capital city of Costa Rica). Then, after a little traditional dance presentation, they have a parade around town. All the children make faroles, some kind of lantern-ish thing that is usually either a traditional house, oxcart, or something else symbolic of the country. Talk about some major creativity! In the olden days they would always light the faroles with candles. (Remember, by 6pm it is ALWAYS dark here!) Some still do, like my little hermanita tica Verónica.
Others use flashlights, which are much safer. It's tradition to burn the faroles afterwards. I think that's sad to burn so much hard work so quickly, but, what I think doesn't really matter.
And then we had... fireworks!! They released them right formt he plaza so we all got sore necks from staring up into the sky, but it was great! Not a bad show for a little town! It was a wonderful evening spent with my tico family!
And then we had... fireworks!! They released them right formt he plaza so we all got sore necks from staring up into the sky, but it was great! Not a bad show for a little town! It was a wonderful evening spent with my tico family!
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