Today marks the 188th anniversary of Costa Rica’s annexation of the Guanacaste Province from Nicaragua. Named after a stately Guanacaste tree that marked its “capital,” the province boasts some of the best geography in Costa Rica, including mountains and volcanoes, dry tropical forests, and miles of beaches.

Baile Tipico – Traditional Dance

Costa Rica peacefully annexed Guanacaste in 1824 when residents of Santa Cruz and Nicoya decided to become part of Costa Rica instead of remain part of Nicaragua. To celebrate this event, Guanacastecos (the people of Guanacaste) hold 5 day “fiestas” with bull riding, horse parades, dances, carnival rides and traditional food. Each year, residents flock to Liberia, Santa Cruz, and Nicoya to enjoy these cultural traditions. Santa Cruz is about 40 minutes from Playa Junquillal and marks the closest Guanacaste Day fiestas.

Bull-riding at the Fiestas

Tierra Pacifica offers a unique opportunity to live in a beautiful, green, and secure community while enjoying the local culture side by side with our Tico neighbors. Heck, with the right insurance policy you can even ride a bull. Enjoy your next Guanacaste day with us!