Happy Independence Day, Costa Rica!

September 15 is Costa Rica's Independence Day. It commemorates Central America's independence from Spanish rule in 1821.Following the independence, the first constitution of the country was soon adopted. This further led to the celebration of the first elections held in December, 1821. The Independence Day of Costa Rica is declared an official national holiday in the country.

Laura Chinchilla Miranda

Speaking of elections, Costa Rica's current president is Laura Chinchilla Miranda. Sworn in on May 8, 2010, she is Costa Rica's first woman president, and Central America's sixth.  

These are the lyrics to the official version of Costa Rica's National Anthem:

1
¡Noble Patria!, tu hermosa bandera,
expresión de tu vida nos da:
bajo el límpido azul de tu cielo,
blanca y pura descansa la paz.

2
En la lucha tenaz de fecunda labor
que enrojece del hombre la faz,
conquistaron tus hijos -labriegos sencillos-
eterno prestigio, estima y honor. (bis)

3
¡Salve, oh tierra gentil!
¡Salve, oh Madre de amor!

4
Cuando alguno pretenda tu gloria manchar,
verás a tu pueblo valiente y viril,
la tosca herramienta en arma trocar.

5
¡Salve, oh Patria! tu pródigo suelo
dulce abrigo y sustento nos da.

Bajo el límpido azul de tu cielo
¡Vivan siempre el trabajo y la paz!