If you're ever in Costa Rica and hear the phrase " De la Patria por nuestra Voluntad" remember that it has a deep resonance in Costa Rican history over the last two centuries, particularly in the context of the annexation of Guanacaste. This phrase reflects the desire and will of the people of Guanacaste to belong to Costa Rica.
The annexation of Guanacaste is a fundamental event in Costa Rica's national identity. It has enabled citizens to better understand how the country was formed, while at the same time promoting cultural diversity. "tica ". This year, 2024, marks the bicentenary of the union of Guanacaste with Costa Rica.
Historical background
In the 19th century, Central America was going through a period of political and territorial reorganization following the independence of these countries from Spain in 1821. At the time, the territory we know today as Guanacaste (comprising Nicoya, Santa Cruz and Liberia) was part of Nicaragua and was called the Nicoya Party. The term "parti" was used in colonial times to designate a part of the territory that belonged to a larger province, similar to what we now call a district.
The Parti de Nicoya functioned as an administrative unit with some local autonomy in decision-making, but it remained under the jurisdiction of the colonial authorities in Nicaragua. At that time, the region's economy was based on agriculture, cattle-raising and trade, and its inhabitants maintained close commercial and social relations with Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Over time, links with Costa Rica were strengthened by geographical proximity and trade routes linking Nicoya to Costa Rica's central valley.
The site where the Municipality of Nicoya now stands was the place where the act annexing the Nicoya Party to Costa Rica was signed on July 25, 1824 (Photograph by La Voz de Guanacaste).
The Annexation of 1824, an important event for Costa Rica
In 1824, with the support of Costa Rica's first head of state, Juan Mora Fernández, the citizens of Nicoya held an open cabildo (a local assembly) where issues of community interest were discussed. On July 25, 1824, the inhabitants of Nicoya freely and democratically decided to annex themselves to Costa Rica, under the motto: La Patria Por Nuestra Volontad / From the homeland to our will.
This decision was taken democratically, reflecting the desire of the inhabitants to improve their economic, social and political conditions.
Economic Development
Economically, Costa Rica offered better opportunities for trade and commerce. The country had a growing economy and a more stable administration, which was attractive to the inhabitants of the Nicoya Party who were looking for financial prosperity for their region. Nicoya's economy was geared towards agriculture and cattle breeding, sectors that found a more favorable market in Costa Rica. In addition, established trade routes facilitated trade and economic transactions between Nicoya and the main Costa Rican cities.
Casa Presidencial
200 years after the Annexation: The road to development
Costa Rica has undergone a series of changes and developments that have defined the Costa Rican identity. For example, the country has consolidated its economy based on livestock breeding and agriculture, and production of crops such as corn, rice and beans has expanded, thanks to the favorable climate and fertile land. In addition, the export of agricultural products abroad has led to greater trade openness, contributing to the region's growth in the development of transport and services. Road construction has improved connectivity between Guanacaste and the rest of Costa Rica, facilitating international trade, transportation and cultural exchanges.
Today, Guanacaste is an emblematic province of the country. Ecological tourism, agriculture, beaches and energy production make it a very important area for the country. The region is also home to three impressive active volcanoes: Rincón de la Vieja, with its remarkable wildlife, Tenorio, with its famous "Rio Celeste" river, and the Miravalles volcano.
The Nicoya Peninsula: Costa Rica's blue zone
Regions of the world with above-average longevity are known as Blue Zones. Worldwide, five Blue Zones have been identified, with specific local characteristics, one of which is the Nicoya Peninsula. The quality of life in this region is superior to that of the world's other Blue Zones.
UCR's "Study of Longevity and Healthy Aging" (Creles) project confirmed in 2004 that the Nicoya Peninsula is a region of high longevity in the world. Don Benerando López García, a 100-year-old resident of Terciopelo de Sámara, is a case in point. Photo: Georgina Gómez, Ucrea UCR project.
Blue zone populations share factors such as good physical and mental health, healthy eating, respect for the family unit, constant mobility and purpose in life. These factors are also present in the world's other four blue zones, according to experts who attended the World Meeting in Nicoya in November 2017.
Blue Zones Nicoya
Bicentenary
In the context of the bicentenary of the Annexation, knowing the history and meaning of the phrase "De la Patria por nuestra Voluntad" makes for a more meaningful and profound celebration. It's a way of recognizing and honoring the Guanacaste region's contribution to the country, celebrating its culture, history and the crucial role it has played in shaping the nation.
This historic event inspires current generations and reminds them of the importance of citizen participation and collective decision-making in building a free nation.
Although a local event, the Nicoya Party's decision to annex itself to Costa Rica is a notable example of self-determination and democratic exercise. This act of sovereign will resonates in the history of nations seeking to be masters of their own destiny in a peaceful and democratic manner.
Article translated from Spanish by Clara Malbos
The site where the Municipality of Nicoya now stands was the place where the act annexing the Nicoya Party to Costa Rica was signed on July 25, 1824 (Photograph by La Voz de Guanacaste).
The Annexation of 1824, an important event for Costa Rica
In 1824, with the support of Costa Rica's first head of state, Juan Mora Fernández, the citizens of Nicoya held an open cabildo (a local assembly) where issues of community interest were discussed. On July 25, 1824, the inhabitants of Nicoya freely and democratically decided to annex themselves to Costa Rica, under the motto: La Patria Por Nuestra Volontad / From the homeland to our will.
This decision was taken democratically, reflecting the desire of the inhabitants to improve their economic, social and political conditions.
Economic Development
Economically, Costa Rica offered better opportunities for trade and commerce. The country had a growing economy and a more stable administration, which was attractive to the inhabitants of the Nicoya Party who were looking for financial prosperity for their region. Nicoya's economy was geared towards agriculture and cattle breeding, sectors that found a more favorable market in Costa Rica. In addition, established trade routes facilitated trade and economic transactions between Nicoya and the main Costa Rican cities.
Sabaneros on their mounts © DR
Political stability After independence (1821), Nicaragua went through a period of internal conflict and disputes, while Costa Rica enjoyed a calmer political environment. Compared with Nicaragua, Costa Rica offered greater political stability, a safer and more predictable environment for business and the daily lives of Nicoya's inhabitants. Juan Mora Fernández, Costa Rica's first Head of State, officially integrated the Nicoya Party into the Costa Rican nation, promoting policies that facilitated Guanacaste's economic and social integration. Social and Cultural Wealth Before and after the annexation of Nicoya, there has always been a strong sense of cultural connection between the two populations. Social and commercial relations with Costa Rica were already strong and improving every year, creating strong bonds between families on both sides of the border. Moreover, geographical proximity facilitated social and cultural interaction between the two regions, making annexation easy. The province of Guanacaste enriches Costa Rica with its cultural heritage, including music, dance and festivals. Highlighting this cultural diversity on the international stage has brought Costa Rica to the world's attention as a country with a strong tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Events such as the Annexation Festival and typical Guanacaste music (such as the use of the marimba) have become recognized cultural symbols.
Casa Presidencial
200 years after the Annexation: The road to development
Costa Rica has undergone a series of changes and developments that have defined the Costa Rican identity. For example, the country has consolidated its economy based on livestock breeding and agriculture, and production of crops such as corn, rice and beans has expanded, thanks to the favorable climate and fertile land. In addition, the export of agricultural products abroad has led to greater trade openness, contributing to the region's growth in the development of transport and services. Road construction has improved connectivity between Guanacaste and the rest of Costa Rica, facilitating international trade, transportation and cultural exchanges.
Today, Guanacaste is an emblematic province of the country. Ecological tourism, agriculture, beaches and energy production make it a very important area for the country. The region is also home to three impressive active volcanoes: Rincón de la Vieja, with its remarkable wildlife, Tenorio, with its famous "Rio Celeste" river, and the Miravalles volcano.
The Nicoya Peninsula: Costa Rica's blue zone
Regions of the world with above-average longevity are known as Blue Zones. Worldwide, five Blue Zones have been identified, with specific local characteristics, one of which is the Nicoya Peninsula. The quality of life in this region is superior to that of the world's other Blue Zones.
UCR's "Study of Longevity and Healthy Aging" (Creles) project confirmed in 2004 that the Nicoya Peninsula is a region of high longevity in the world. Don Benerando López García, a 100-year-old resident of Terciopelo de Sámara, is a case in point. Photo: Georgina Gómez, Ucrea UCR project.
Blue zone populations share factors such as good physical and mental health, healthy eating, respect for the family unit, constant mobility and purpose in life. These factors are also present in the world's other four blue zones, according to experts who attended the World Meeting in Nicoya in November 2017.
Blue Zones Nicoya
Bicentenary
In the context of the bicentenary of the Annexation, knowing the history and meaning of the phrase "De la Patria por nuestra Voluntad" makes for a more meaningful and profound celebration. It's a way of recognizing and honoring the Guanacaste region's contribution to the country, celebrating its culture, history and the crucial role it has played in shaping the nation.
This historic event inspires current generations and reminds them of the importance of citizen participation and collective decision-making in building a free nation.
Although a local event, the Nicoya Party's decision to annex itself to Costa Rica is a notable example of self-determination and democratic exercise. This act of sovereign will resonates in the history of nations seeking to be masters of their own destiny in a peaceful and democratic manner.
Article translated from Spanish by Clara Malbos 
