Discovering Costa Rican Culture: What Makes Life Here So Special

The Cultural Soul of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is more than just lush jungles, exotic wildlife, and dreamy beaches—it’s a country with a soul. A soul that beats to the rhythm of community gatherings, street parades, home-cooked meals, and the ever-present spirit of Pura Vida. For expats, digital nomads, retirees, and travelers alike, understanding and embracing Costa Rican culture is essential to truly enjoying life here.

Although small in landmass, Costa Rica is culturally rich, deeply rooted in tradition, and profoundly welcoming. Its people, known as Ticos, take pride in living a peaceful and simple life filled with joy, respect, and harmony with nature.

The Spirit of Pura Vida: A Way of Life, Not Just Words

If you learn one phrase before arriving in Costa Rica, make it Pura Vida. It literally means “pure life,” but it translates to so much more—it’s a national mantra, a lifestyle, and an expression of gratitude. You’ll hear it used as a greeting, a farewell, a response to “How are you?”, and even as a way to say “Everything’s good.”

But Pura Vida is more than a saying. It reflects the Costa Rican way of living: laid-back, positive, and deeply appreciative. It’s about enjoying the moment, finding happiness in simplicity, and valuing relationships over possessions. For many expats, adopting the Pura Vida mindset is one of the most transformational parts of living in Costa Rica.

Family, Faith, and Community: The Foundation of Tico Life

Costa Rican society is built around strong family bonds and deep respect for elders. Multi-generational households are common, and family gatherings are a central part of life—especially during holidays and national celebrations. Children are cherished, and elderly relatives are lovingly cared for, often living with their families rather than in retirement homes.

Faith also plays a major role, with Roman Catholicism being the predominant religion. Religious traditions are woven into the national identity, and festivals like Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Día de la Virgen de los Ángeles are observed with processions, masses, and public events.

In smaller towns, community events and church activities are central to social life. Neighbors often help each other, and newcomers—especially respectful, friendly expats—are typically welcomed with open arms.

Cuisine and Coffee: A Celebration of Simplicity and Flavor

Food in Costa Rica is more than sustenance—it’s a celebration of life. While not overly spicy or complex, Costa Rican cuisine is fresh, wholesome, and deeply comforting.

Staple dishes include:

• Gallo Pinto – A breakfast staple made from rice and beans, often served with eggs and plantains.

• Casado – A typical lunch dish with rice, beans, salad, plantains, and your choice of meat or fish.

• Chifrijo – A favorite bar snack combining beans, rice, pork, and pico de gallo.

Fresh tropical fruits like mango, papaya, pineapple, and guava are abundant and delicious year-round.

And then there's coffee—Café de Costa Rica—a national treasure. Costa Rica produces some of the world’s finest arabica beans, and the coffee-growing tradition runs deep. From countryside plantations to hip city cafés, coffee is both a ritual and a reason to pause and connect with others.

Music, Dance, and Festivals: Where Tradition Comes Alive

Costa Ricans love to celebrate, and they do it with music, dance, and vibrant displays of national pride. The country’s musical roots are diverse, blending Spanish colonial, indigenous, and Afro-Caribbean influences.

Traditional & Regional Music:

• Marimba – The national instrument, often played during civic events and festivals.

• Cumbia and Salsa – Popular in central and southern regions.

• Reggae and Calypso – Especially in Limón and the Caribbean coast, where Afro-Caribbean culture thrives.

Dancers dressed in colorful costumes perform traditional folk routines during festivals, such as Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day) and Día de San José. Bullfighting (non-lethal), carnival rides, and street food are common features of local celebrations.

These fiestas patronales (patron saint festivals) are held in almost every town throughout the year, making it easy for both locals and newcomers to join in the fun and community spirit.

A Cultural Melting Pot: Diversity Within Unity

While most of Costa Rica’s population is mestizo (a mix of European and indigenous ancestry), the country is a rich tapestry of cultures and communities.

The Caribbean coast, especially the province of Limón, adds a strong Afro-Caribbean influence, brought by Jamaican and Caribbean immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. Their impact is visible in music, food (think spicy dishes and coconut-based cuisine), and language—many residents speak both Spanish and English-based creole.

In the south, Bribrí and Cabécar indigenous groups maintain distinct cultural traditions, languages, and crafts. Many expats find that engaging with these communities—respectfully and thoughtfully—offers a deeper understanding of Costa Rica’s roots and diversity.

Conclusion: Culture is the Heartbeat of Costa Rica

To truly understand Costa Rica, you must experience its culture—the laughter of children during a town parade, the rhythm of marimba music echoing through the plaza, the flavor of fresh mangoes at a roadside stand, and the heartfelt Pura Vida shared by a neighbor.

Moving to Costa Rica isn't just about new surroundings. It’s about joining a culture that prioritizes happiness, family, balance, and community. It’s about slowing down and tuning in. And it’s about embracing a way of life that’s refreshingly human.

Whether you're considering relocating or just visiting, immersing yourself in Costa Rican culture will leave a lasting imprint on your heart—and might just make you never want to leave.