A good 80% of workers have off today (I just kind of made up that number), and the streets are practically barren. I was one of the 20% that was at work today, mostly because I need the money. Among some of the things I missed while I was at work were: time to myself to relax and probably start getting back into shape (though round is a shape, too), and the parades all over the country that morning.
Every year, on their independence day, they have a parade in the center of San José. We have fireworks and barbecues, they have parades and days off for everyone. Though the parade in San José still went on, the Independence Day Parade in Alajuela was cancelled because of the AH1N1 Virus, aka Swine Flu.
All was not lost, however. People still had their fun during Costa Rican Independence Day. School bands and dance shows were limited to school areas, but they still went on. It was disappointing to some who had come to the Alajuela Central Park to watch only to find out that there would be nothing going on.
In the Juan Santamaria Airport, however, there was a display of typical dance, typical food, music, and more. It was a way to share the 15th of September experience with others visiting the country. It lightened up the mood of many travellers who weren’t expecting to arrive at an airport and see such Costa Rican Independence Day festivities. Children dressed up in traditional clothing danced to the sounds of the xylophone and celebrated their independence day.
All in all, the Swine Flu didn’t put a complete damper on the festivities, but it did still show its presence. Some people ask why, if the virus worries people enough to cancel Costa Rican Independence Day parades and festivities, why doesn’t it worry them enough to cancel soccer games?
There’s a little something to think about.
Happy Independence Day, Costa Rica.
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