Independence Day

September is Patriotism Month, since September 15 is Independence Day for all of Central America. In other words, a HUGE deal. An all time low in teaching days or conversely an all time high in schedule changes. Been finding myself pretty frustrated since this is one of my last units this year, I planned really well only to be foiled by actos civicos and “decorating.” They really went all out. Red white and blue everything, banana plants, coffee plants, life-size poster board paper dolls dressed in vestidos tipicos.

The girls have been practicing baile tipico and I joined them, mostly as a way to kill time between classes and avoid the mid-day slump. Next thing I knew I’d inadvertently signed myself up to dance on September 14th in front of the entire school/community. Well, last night we had the big event and I finally understand all the fuss. Yeah it was frustrating to have so little class and have my schedule ruined but participating last night, seeing it all come together… finally made sense. There was such a beautiful communal energy in the air.

We started the day with the running of the torch which gets passed from one community to the next (on foot) with police escort as a reenactment of the notice of independence for Central America being brought from Guatemala to Costa Rica. That's right, 10 year olds wielding live fire. I felt so safe. But it was kinda cool.

In the evening we started with typical acto civico stuff (bring out the flag, pledge, sing etc.) followed by more singing, a procession of the lighted lanterns that each student made (more fire in the hands of children), baile tipico (featuring Teacher), theatrical presentations etc. It was great to be a part of this celebration. Makes missing out on holidays at home a little easier. And yes I have pictures and video of the whole thing, including my dancing.

¡Ay Teacher!