Family Traditions in Costa Rica
AUTOR/AUTHOR: BETH SYLVER
The longer I live in Costa Rica, the more I fall in love with this country. After nearly five years of residing here, I continue to immerse myself in local culture, foods, and family traditions.
I recently was talking with some dear Tico friends and asked them about their family traditions for New Year’s Day. The stories I heard warmed my heart and gave me new ideas for my family holiday.
One story I heard had been handed down through five generations, and it goes like this: At midnight on the 31st of December,immediately begin the new year the way you would like the year to end. Fill the entire first day with everything you love and what you hope to happen to you the rest of the year.
Some examples were spending lots of time with your family, prepare and eat healthy food, do some work, visit friends, go to the beach, take some time for yourself, surround yourself with money to encourage a year full of wealth. Spend the first day of the new year filled with positive, pleasant, and meaningful things to ensure the entire year will be and will end the way it began!
Another friend shared a different family tradition. On the first day of the new year, they find the small purple flower called Santa Lucía. As the story goes, if you place a flower from this plant in your wallet or purse and carry it with you, you’ll have a prosperous year!
I also did a little research on my own, and here is one more fun New Year’s tradition. Pack a suitcase at midnight on the 31st of December and take a walk, at least a block, to ensure a year filled with travel.
Costa Rica is full of many beautiful family traditions for all the different holidays. The family is the number one priority in this country and something for which I have immense respect.
It is such a pleasure to become more included and welcomed by the community and to make some of their family traditions my own. Pura vida!
What to do, Where to eat and Where to stay…
- Activities and Tours
- Marino Ballena National Park
- Natural Attractions
- Restaurants
- Hotels and Accommodations
- South Pacific Costa Rica Beaches,
Looking for business directories, maps or other printouts? We’ve got that too!
Dare to Discover and Enjoy…
Check out…
Need help planning your next trip? Let us help you with your Costa Rica vacations!
Email: carlos@ballenatales.com
Phone: +(506) 8946 7134 or +(506) 8914 1568

Busting Myths About Costa Rica Destination, Free Costa Rica Magazine #99
We’ve recently seen misinformation circulating suggesting that Costa Rica is an expensive destination.

Debunking myths about Costa Rica’s South Pacific destination
There is false information circulating that suggests the South Pacific Costa Rica is an expensive destination

Beach Clean Up in Uvita: Community Spirit in Action at Marino Ballena National Park
Beach Clean Up in Uvita Community Spirit in Action at Marino Ballena National Park Author: Sophie Schindler

Costa Rica’s First 100% Gluten-Free Gourmet Restaurant
Costa Rica’s First 100% Gluten-Free Gourmet Restaurant La Palapa Restaurant: Indulgence Without Compromise Travelers come to Costa Rica seeking nature, adventure – and memorable dining. At Cuna del Ángel, a boutique hotel nestled in the […]

Adventure Begins Where Comfort Ends: Our Rain-Soaked Snorkeling Tour to Caño Island
What I Learned from Traveling in the Rain or Why a Plastic Cape Can Teach Humility Our Snorkeling Tour to Caño Island

Increasing Biodiversity in the Path of the Tapir Biological Corridor
The area including the Path of the Tapir Biological Corridor in Costa Rica, is one of the few places with increasing biodiversity.