Why is the Costa Rican Aboriginal Day celebrated

Every April 19, the Costa Rican Aboriginal Day is celebrated, a special date that aims to recognize the importance of indigenous peoples as a vital part of our nationality and our culture.

The Costa Rican Aboriginal Day was born on April 19, 1971 through executive decree No. 1803-C.

Facts about the Costa Rican Aboriginal Day

• Activities are carried out during a week of celebration that aims to get the Costa Rican people closer to their origins; to rescue and defend the cultural heritage left by all our ancestors. But also to generate a reflection on the treatment and conditions of indigenous communities in our country and the rest of the continent.
• Costa Rica has more than 33 thousand people who are considered indigenous, which represents less than 1 of the total population of the country according to the last census carried out.
• In our country, according to the INEC, there are 8 indigenous peoples, which are distributed in 22 communities throughout the national territory. The most numerous is the Bribri town with a little less than 11 thousand inhabitants and the Chorotega town is the least numerous with less than one thousand inhabitants.
• In this order of ideas, the 8 indigenous peoples of Costa Rica are the Bribris, Cabecares, Ngöbe, Malekus, Borucas, Térrabas, Huetares and Chorotegas.

These indigenous peoples have fought to maintain their essence, as well as preserve their customs and festivals. For this reason, the Costa Rican Aboriginal Day seeks to preserve that historical and cultural legacy that is part of our history and heritage.