Costa Rica commemorates Guanacaste Day every year on July 25, marking the annexation of Nicoya from Nicaragua in 1824. As the festivities unfold, let’s revisit the historical significance of this national holiday.
Origin of Nicoya
The name “Nicoya” originates from the Aztec Nahua language, named after the cacique Nicoa. The Nahua people migrated from modern-day Mexico to Guanacaste.
Historical Background of Nicoya Territory
Nicoya’s original territory spanned from La Flor River and Lake Nicaragua in the northeast to the Gulf of Nicoya, Tempisque River, Salto River, and parts of the Desaguadero River in the south.
In 1820, Nicoya, seeking greater representation, allied with Costa Rica to send a delegate to the Cádiz Cortes in Spain, electing Costa Rican politician Florencio del Castillo. The Spanish Constitution of 1812 had divided the Kingdom of Guatemala into separate territories, including Nicoya, which later became part of Guanacaste. Following Central America’s independence from Spain in 1821, internal political strife led Nicoyans to identify more closely with Costa Rica due to proximity and better relations.
A month after Costa Rica’s independence, the country established its provisional constitution through the Concordia Pact. Costa Rica’s first constitution soon followed, with Juan Mora Fernández as the first head of state. Stability, political security, effective justice administration, and established trade relations with Nicoya made Costa Rica an appealing ally.
The Annexation
The harmonious relationship between Costa Rica and Nicoya led to a formal invitation from Costa Rican officials, presented by Nicoya’s first mayor, Cupertino Briceño. At that time, Costa Rica was not yet a republic, so a formal petition was sent to the General Congress of Guatemala. Nicoya residents argued that their geographical proximity to Costa Rica made the annexation more practical.
On July 25, 1824, the annexation became official. In 1848, the territory was designated as a Costa Rican province, initially comprising the cantons of Nicoya, Santa Cruz, Bagaces, and Cañas. Today, Guanacaste has expanded to include 11 cantons.
Origin of the Name Guanacaste
Guanacaste derives its name from a large tree once located in what is now central park in Liberia, the province’s capital. The name combines the Nahuatl words “Quaiti” (tree) and “Nacaztli” (ear).
Benefits of the Annexation
Guanacaste is now a crucial agricultural hub, producing rice, sugar cane, sorghum, and other crops. Livestock farming is also prevalent. The region has emerged as one of Costa Rica’s top tourist destinations, earning the nickname the “Gold Coast of Central America.”
The annexation has fueled population growth and economic development in Guanacaste, enriching Costa Rican culture with traditional foods like tortillas and bizcochos, a type of crispy, donut-like treat. Guanacaste’s folkloric music has significantly influenced Costa Rican music, with popular songs like “El Torito,” “Pasión,” “Amor de Temporada,” “Luna Liberiana,” and “Pampa.”
Traditional instruments from the province include quijongs (a stringed bow and gourd), tambores (drums), ocarinas (small ceramic flutes), marimbas, and more. Guanacaste also boasts a rich tapestry of stories and legends, embodying the sentiment that Guanacaste is “part of the homeland by choice.”