No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeIndependence DayThe story behind the flag on Cerro de la Carpintera

The story behind the flag on Cerro de la Carpintera

Every Sept. 15 since 1963, Rigoberto Vega Alvarado climbs to the top of Cerro de la Carpintera to plant a giant Costa Rican flag. Here’s the story of how one man started an Independence Day tradition in Cartago.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Ordered to Fix Safety Problems on Route 32

Costa Rica’s Comptroller General has ordered highway authorities to address safety problems on Route 32 after finding that seven roundabouts on the key Caribbean...

Costa Rica Dollar Exchange Rate Falls to Another Record Low

The U.S. dollar has fallen to its lowest level on record against Costa Rica’s colón, extending a decline that is increasing the purchasing power...

Remembering September 11 From Costa Rica 25 Years Later

From a cantina in Quepos to stunned phone calls home, an American expat recalls watching September 11 unfold from Costa Rica and realizing the world had changed.

Costa Rica Independence Day Brings Street Closures and Afternoon Storms

If you are heading to an Independence Day parade in San José this morning, go early and keep an umbrella handy for later. Streets...

Scientists Name First New Wild Cat Species in Over 100 Years

A small spotted wild cat from the cloud forests of Bolivia has been formally described as a new species. Scientists say it is the...

Crabs Found Hitchhiking on Sea Snakes Off Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast

A study built on specimens collected in Costa Rican waters has documented something never before recorded in the scientific literature — crabs living on...

Costa Rica Independence Day 2026 Brings a Tuesday Holiday and Rain

Plan for rain, road closures and holiday pay rules as Costa Rica marks 205 years of independence on Tuesday, September 15.

Central America Drought Kills Cattle and Threatens Food Supply

Animals are dropping dead amid the worst drought in living memory for many Central Americans, who are dealing with the unforgiving effects of the...

Thousands rally across Costa Rica in defense of the courts as President Fernández pushes judicial overhaul

Thousands of Costa Ricans protested last night against what they see as a threat to the country's democracy from President Laura Fernández, driven by...
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel