Annexation of the Party of Nicoya to Costa Rica

The Annexation of the Party of Nicoya refers to the decision on July 25, 1824, by the inhabitants of the Party of Nicoya, a territory in present-day northwestern Costa Rica, to voluntarily join Costa Rica. Following independence from Spain in 1821, the region was part of the Federal Republic of Central America, but local leaders, including Governor Manuel Briceño, favored annexation to Costa Rica due to its stability and development. A referendum was held, and the majority voted to annex, with the Costa Rican Congress accepting the decision on July 25, 1824. This event is also tied to the creation of Guanacaste Province, with the territory officially becoming part of Costa Rica in 1826.

The holiday is celebrated with parades, folk dances, and concerts featuring traditional marimba music and typical costumes. Schools and local governments organize cultural festivals showcasing Guanacaste's heritage, including rodeos and bullfights. Traditional foods like "gallo pinto" (rice and beans), "chicharrón" (fried pork), and "tortillas" are enjoyed. Many communities hold civil ceremonies and flag-raising events to honor the annexation, and fireworks are common in the evenings.

This holiday is significant because it marks the peaceful and voluntary unification of the Nicoya region with Costa Rica, emphasizing national unity and the cultural identity of Guanacaste. It celebrates the region's historical choice and its contributions to Costa Rican diversity, fostering pride in the country's heritage and the democratic process that led to annexation.