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Cultural Influences and Attitude

Home » Costa Rica » The People and Culture of Costa Rica » Cultural Influences and Attitude
Posted by Your Guide on May 10, 2006 5:01 PM

The main influence on the formation of Costa Rican culture comes from the Spanish colonial settlers that inhabited the area in the 16th century. But because Costa Rica has such a varied background, there are several other contributing cultural influences within the country. Costa Rica was the point where Mesoamerican and South American cultures met – each contributing their flair to the traditions and culture of the country. But unlike most countries, there are little to no native influences. This is because the small, original Indian population was diminished greatly by sickness and mistreatment by the Spaniards.

On the Caribbean side of the country, most of the coastal people are from a Jamaican background. The Jamaican ancestors were workers and slaves that were brought to Costa Rica to help build a railroad from the port city of Limon to the capital of San Jose. There are also Chinese and Italian people whose descendents came for work on the railroad as well.

The Northern part of the country is influenced by the Nahuatl culture that has its roots in the Aztec civilization, and the central and southern potions of the country have roots in the Chibcha culture that leaked over the border from Panama.

As mentioned before, the phrase “Pura Vida” exemplifies the laid back behavior of the Costa Ricans. People visiting the country can sometimes confuse the relaxed atmosphere here with laziness and lack of initiative. Quick decision-making, timelines and new ideas are not priorities and are not embraced by the Costa Rican people, but this does not mean they are a passive or unresponsive people. Instead, their culture can most aptly be defined as an extremely social and loving people that take great pride in their country and its development. The Costa Ricans are relatively conservative and place a high priority on time spent with family and enjoy gatherings and celebrations of all kinds. There is an emphasis placed on creating and maintaining the right “emotional ambience” among the Costa Rican people. In other words, it is important that life is maintained in a flowing, friendly manner that is relaxed and carefree. Worry and stress are not mainstream for the people who live here, and the general attitude is to avoid conflict with each other at all costs to maintain the peaceful atmosphere.

Locals refer to each other as “Ticos” instead of Cost Ricans. This is a term of endearment that is very popular in the country but is mostly used among friends. The epitome of a Tico is someone that is friendly, adoring, helpful, relaxed, educated and concerned with the environment. A Tico is also free of everyday stress and lives in a calm, unflustered manner.

It is evident that Costa Ricans still believe in the machismo type of lifestyle that runs rampant through Latin America still today. Although this belief that men are superior than women and that their roles are clearly separate and defined is apparent, Costa Rican women have learned to use the system to their advantage.

An attractive difference between Costa Rica and much of the world is the people’s view on moderation. Extremes and excesses are not valued here – instead the lifestyle is simple and down to earth. Also, race and class are not labeled or discriminated against; instead, all people are viewed as equal which encourages a peaceful and easy-going way of life for all. Poverty does exist, although not as wide-spread as other Latin American countries, but the majority of the population is classified as middle-class. There is an elitist upper class which tends to be a mixture of “old money” and “new money.” Most of this elitist class has made their money as coffee barons.



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