Every November 30, a historic milestone for Costa Rican culture is celebrated, this being the national legacy of Guanacaste: la marimba. Forming part of the national identity, “marimbismo” stands out as a traditional art of this province.

Origen of the marimba as national Legacy

According to the Center for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage, there is no defined origin, it is believed that it arrived in the country under the influence of Guatemala.

The oldest document on the existence of the instrument, comes from 1785 in an inventory of the church of Orosi, which was used for the choir at masses.

La marimba of that time was very different from what we currently know, with features such as a smaller size and no legs.

The essence of the marimba

The tradition of its assembly and use has a high influence mainly from Guanacaste, however other provinces offer small variations that characterize them.

Among the different types of constructions that exist, you can see the double keyboard, bejuco, bamboo, pumpkin and also the plastic ones.

In Europe it is known as the “piano of America” being this a multifunctional instrument for cultural activities.

National Day of the Costa Rican Marimba

Once Law 9419 was signed, the President of the Republic officially declared this event in commemoration of the national instrument of Costa Rica.

This event took place in the tour held in 2017 in the areas of Cañas, Nicoya and Cóbano, on March 2 at the Liceo de Nicoya.

“This declaration has the objective of recognizing the marimba as a national instrument symbol of the culture and tradition of our country, as well as dictating the legal norms to achieve its conservation and maintain its validity among Costa Rican customs. Public policy must reinforce tradition, identity and therefore form this law allows us to achieve the conservation of la marimba within the cultural wealth of our country ”

Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera, former President of the Republic

Thanks to la marimba, the sense of nationality can be evidenced through dances such as folklore, generating artistic activities with it.

“Today is a day in which with great joy we gather the cultural path that la marimba has been forging in the homeland, to place it in a place of recognition of the work of the marimbero who shapes it and the marimbist, who musicalizes our folklore to the sound of such a beloved instrument ”

Sylvie Durán, former Minister of Culture

Since its creation, la marimba stands out for being a participant in popular celebrations not only in the province of Guanacaste but also at national level.

The harmony that develops this instrument infects everyone who listens to it and its melody is something unique that will be preserved in our culture.

This being the national legacy of Guanacaste: la marimba is one of the relevant instruments that make up our idiosyncrasy.