Grecia lives the patriotic spirit

The different cities of the country joined the celebration of the Bicentennial of the Independence of Costa Rica. Some decorated their streets, placed flags and other things celebrating September 15 and many people took this time to share with their loved ones by doing some family activities.

Grecia was no exception; this date reminded its neighbors of the patriotic spirit and love for the country. Knowing what a privilege it is to live in this free and sovereign nation.

Costa Rican flags in the streets of Grecia

The Costa Rican flag is formed by three colors placed horizontally, a red stripe in the center between two white stripes, followed by a blue stripe. It was created on September 29, 1848 along with the National Emblem. Tradition tell us that the conception and design of the current flag, since that year, corresponded to Pacifica Fernandez Oreamuno, wife of the first president of Costa Rica; Jose Castro Madriz, inspired by the flag of France.

The colors represent:

Blue: the sky that covers Costa Rica.
White: represents the peace that reigns in Costa Rica.
Red: The love to live, the shedding of blood for freedom, and the generous attitude.

Typical Costa Rican foods to celebrate patriotic spirit

Meats, vegetables, beans, rice, fruits and the delicious cajeta, a sweet that it shares with other Latin American countries and that is irresistible for those with a sweet tooth. Costa Rica’s gastronomy is simple but unmistakably tasty and it is worth trying its typical dishes if you want to fully discover what makes Costa Rica an amazing country.

Here are some dishes that you cannot miss:

Gallo Pinto: is the typical Costa Rican breakfast. It is made of rice and beans, fried or scrambled eggs, minced meat, plantains and tortillas. It is usually served with cheese, fresh orange juice, fruit and coffee, it has everything!
Ceviche: It is a food of Peruvian origin but other international cuisines have borrowed the recipe to make their own version. This is the case of Costa Rica, where it is also prepared with fresh raw fish that is marinated with citrus. But it is usually made with sea bass, cilantro, garlic, celery, onion, sweet chili and chimichurri.
Casado: One of the most typical plates. It is necessary to try it in a restaurant that prepares traditional cuisine to enjoy the full experience. The dish is served with beans, rice, red peppers, onion, fried plantains and meat. This can be chicken, pork or beef, grilled or sautéed and served with french fries and vegetables.
Olla de carne: Typical Costa Rican soup. It uses meat cut into large wedges, with potatoes, carrots, yucca, chayote, ayote, tiquizque, ñampí -Costa Rican vegetables- and plantain. All this is simmered in a large pot, hence its name.
Chifrijo: Chicharrones and beans… Chifrijo! Pork crackling, rice, beans with broth, tomato, onion and chimichurri.
Pork Tamale: Not missing from Costa Rican tables when Christmas arrives. Plantain leaves are used to cook pork with a prepared mixture of flour, rice, beans and vegetables.
Typical Costa Rican desserts: There is nothing like the sweets in the Costa Rican recipe book: rice pudding, cajeta, chiverre or pineapple empanadas and churchill. Wheat flour is usually used in most cases to create the cakes and they are accompanied with syrups and ice cream.
Beverages: from coffee to chan. Costa Rica produces excellent coffees, so coffee drinkers should not hesitate to try it when they pass by coffee shops and restaurants. As for chan, this is a Costa Rican recipe: water and chan seeds. It is said that it facilitates intestinal transit and lowers blood pressure.

Greece is one of those towns that still keeps the essence of what Costa Rica is. Full of mountains and farming areas, with friendly people always ready to help and peaceful environments, this town of Alajuela allows you to wake up and see the beautiful landscapes that generate a feeling of gratitude for living in this beautiful country.