Paz, El dia de Independencia

The 15th of Sept. is Independence Day in Costa Rica.
Everyone at la Escuela Europeo and all over Costa Rica were getting ready for a huge celebration for about a month. About a week prior to the 15th, Costa Rican flags appeared everywhere. The parents were invited to the school on the 14th for a presentation celebrating Costa Rican Independence. The Celebration began with firecrackers and a parade with all of the kids. We love how the little ones look in their traditional costumes. The flag is also red, white and blue, so you can see lots of these colors in the traditional clothing.
Each class had a different role to play. The photo above is of a class that had props that represented a 7 provinces of Costa Rica. You can see that one kid is holding a sign that says Limon, which is the Eastern most province on the Caribbean side. We haven't been there yet, but are planning on going. I hear that there is lots of Reggae, and African influence there! And more rain than here. We are excited to go to Puerto Viejo there.
Natasha's group was the only group that didn't wear traditional costumes. They made masks, wore crazy clothing and ran around the little ones. We aren't sure why, but Natasha was super glad that she didn't have to wear a skirt! That is her in the lime green shorts!
The festival began with the national antham. I think this is why I am writing. The whole antham is first of all singable for all, in contrast to ours, and more importantly, is about peace. I cried. It was so moving for me to see a celebration for independence focusing on peace. I try hard not to compare Costa Rica and the US in judgement, it was hard not to compare the rockets red glare, with peace.
This is a photo of peace of a different kind. This is a great family that we have become friends with. ( Our kids are super happy that we have friends!) Tim is an ex Californian, who traveled the world and moved to Costa Rica for the waves, 30 years ago. He grows coffee and bananas now. Hilda is a Tica, ( Costa Rican) who only speaks Spanish and is super passionate about everything. And Caroline is their youngest child who is in Natasha's class. We love hanging out with them cause Tim's stories are a blast and Hilda doesn't speak English, so I get to speak only Spanish with her! And Caroline is a sweetie. Yippee.