| Since the majority of Costa Ricans are not indigenous | | | | more about spending time with family and partying |
| to the region, Costa Rica has less cultural flair than | | | | than they are about the religious significance of the |
| other Latin American Countries such as Mexico or | | | | holiday. Religious parades and processions occur here |
| Guatemala. Only one percent of the Costa Rican | | | | just as they do in other Latin American countries but |
| population is considered to be Indian, and there is a | | | | lack the colorful flair that is seen elsewhere. This is |
| small Latin population who identify as Ticos, but a | | | | because the Indian and Latin populations are so small |
| whopping 98 percent of the population is white. While | | | | that they don't offer a mix of cultural religious |
| this has an affect on the "Latin" feel of Costa Rica, | | | | practices. Costa Rica experiences two major |
| Costa Rica still resembles most other Latin counties | | | | economic shutdowns that revolve around the Easter |
| as it is conservative, traditional, and predominately | | | | and Christmas holidays. During this time, Businesses |
| Catholic. Gender roles are extremely traditional with | | | | can be closed for up to five days, transportation |
| men and women respecting their roles within the | | | | services cease, and families use this time to spend |
| family. Most Costa Ricans also live at home until they | | | | time together and worship. Another integral part of |
| are married and going away to college or to find | | | | Costa Rican tradition is the pilgrimage to Basilica de |
| independence from one's family is rare. The backbone | | | | los Angeles. This pilgrimage takes place each year and |
| of Costa Rican culture is the family. Family ties are of | | | | is in honor of the Virgin of the Angels. Even though |
| the utmost importance and some of the most | | | | religion has taken on less significance than it has in |
| important Costa Rican traditions revolve around the | | | | the past and families often vacation rather than |
| family: baptisms, engagement parties, weddings, first | | | | observe religious customs, families continue to come |
| communions and funerals. Religion also plays an | | | | together often. Large gatherings that include |
| important role in Costa Rican culture but takes a | | | | extended family are common and are perhaps the |
| back burner to family. Many religious celebrations are | | | | molding ground of Costa Rican culture. |