Examine individual changes

'{{Original research|article|date=November 2007}} {{Cleanup|date=February 2010}} '''[[Costa Rican]] culture''' is heavily influenced by [[Spanish culture]], with the exception of [[Limón]] and the [[Cordillera de Talamanca]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2009}} {{TOC right}} When the [[Spanish Empire|Spanish]] [[conquistador|conquerors]] arrived in the 16th century, they established most of their settlements and cities in the southern-central part of the country which was less densely populated than the north. The European descendants became predominant in these regions. Although the actual population of Costa Rica is generally of mixed origins, the different makeups of these two regions is still evident. The northern plains ([[Guatuso]]) and the southern mountains (Talamanca) were relatively untouched during colonial times. In the 19th century, the Caribbean region of Costa Rica received a considerable number of immigrants that came first as workers during the construction of the railroads to the eastern coast and later settled in the area. Most of them were blacks that came from the English-speaking Caribbean who gave a distinctive cultural and ethnic identity to the region. There was also an important number of [[China|Chinese]] immigrants, who came first to the port-towns of Limon and Puntarenas, and who later spread in small numbers to most cities in the country. Immigrants from other areas, especially Spain, Italy, Germany, and Lebanon, arrived during the early 20th century, causing a significant impact, mainly on the country's political and economic elite. All of these influences have developed the extremely varied ethnicity of the country. == Language == ''Main article: [[Costa Rica Spanish]]'' Costa Rica people speak [[Spanish language|Spanish]], but over the years they have, like most other Latin American countries, developed distinct patterns in their language. Costa Ricans usually utilize the respectful ''usted'' form when addressing one another; this is somewhat formal and [[Culture shock|surprises]] some Spanish-speaking foreigners when they arrive. Also, when the familiar form is used, they often use ''[[voseo|vos]]'' rather than ''[[tú]]'', which is used in most other Latin American countries. Unlike most Latin American countries the use of the word ''tú'' is considered obnoxious and impolite and the usage of the word is frowned upon by the majority of the population, regardless of social status. The typical Costa Rican accent is very similar to that of [[Colombia]]ns, and is often confused with a Colombian accent. == Ticos == Costa Ricans have long called themselves [[tico]]s. In [[Spanish language|Spanish]] it is common to make diminutives by suffixing the '''-ito/ita''' [[morpheme]]. Costa Ricans make a further use of the diminutive adding the '''tico/tica''' [[morpheme]] as in "el carro chiquito" becomes "el carro chiquitico" (the very small car). This helps soften speech and appear more approachable when interacting with others. == Religion == [[Christianity]] is recognized as the most popular religion in Costa Rica with 92% of the population.<ref>[[:es:Cristianismo por país]]</ref> 44.9 percent of the population identify themselves as practicing Roman Catholics, 25.6 percent non-practicing Roman Catholics, 13.8 percent evangelical Protestants, 11.3 percent report they do not have a religious affiliation, and 4.3 percent declare "another religion." [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2008/108520.htm] The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a membership of 35,000 members and has a temple in San Jose that serves the country and Panama. The Lutheran Church estimates it has 5,000 members in 30 communities, and the Jewish Zionist Center of Costa Rica estimates there are 2,500 Orthodox Jews and, 300 Reform Jews.[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2008/108520.htm] There are several other religious festivals in the country; Costa Rica has various religious denominations: Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, Baha'i, scientology, Rastafarian, Taoism and neopaganism. {{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} == Education == Education is highly regarded in Costa Rica by most of the population. 6% of the country's gross domestic product is dedicated to education,<ref>[[:es:Constitución Política de Costa Rica de 1949]]</ref> which has had positive results as 96% of the population is literate. Primary (1st-6th grade) and secondary (7th-11th or 12th) are mandatory for all citizens. Public schools are free, and those who can afford it often opt to send their children to private institutions.{{Citation needed|date=September 2009}} The country has five major public universities: the [[University of Costa Rica]] (UCR), the [[Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica]] (ITCR), the [[Universidad Nacional]] (UNA), the [[Universidad Técnica Nacional]], and the [[Universidad de Educacion a Distancia]] (UNED). == Painting == During the beginning of the 19th century, wealthy Costa Ricans used to have their portraits painted by famous foreigners, usually European, who went to the country for holidays<ref name="paint">http://www.infocostarica.com/culture/painting.html</ref>. It was not until some of these painters, like Bigot, Henry Etheridge, or Santiago Paramo settled in the country that Costa Ricans were taught techniques for drawing, oil painting, and sculpture.<ref name="paint"/> These teachers directly influenced artists who lived in Costa Rica, such as Jose Maria Figueroa, Faustino Montes de Oca, or Felipe Valentini. Later, at the end of the 19th century, some local artists started to come out and became the basis of modern Costa Rican painting. Some of these painters are Ezequiel Jimenez, Wenceslao de la Guardia, and Enrique Echandi. Current renowned Costa Rican painters include [[Gonzalo Morales Sáurez]], [[Rafa Fernandez]], and [[Fernando Carballo]]. <!-- A unique expression of paint was expressed in the typical [[bullock cart]]s. --> == Music == {{Main|Music of Costa Rica}} Most of the music and representative folklore comes from the north of the country, including the [[Nicoya Peninsula]] (Mayan culture) and the Atlantic coast (Afro-Caribbean culture). [[Music of Costa Rica|Costa Rican music]] is marked by a rhythm known as ''[[tambito]]'' as well a distinctive musical genre known as ''punto''. Two examples are the ''punto guanacasteco'' from [[Guanacaste Province]], and the ''sancarleño'' from San Carlos in [[Alajuela]] Province. Nowadays, funk music is very popular.{{Citation needed|date=September 2009}} The Costa Rican funk movement started around the 70's and 80's with the pioneer work of the bands [[Café con Leche]] and [[José Capmany]], which today enjoy some popularity, especially among young people. Bands such as [[Gandhi (Costa Rica)|Gandhi]] and Evolucion (among others) are also quite popular. {{Citation needed|date=September 2009}} == Cuisine == Costa Rican cuisine is a combination of Spanish, American, Caribbean and Southern American influences. This style of cuisine is shared by most of Central America, although local variations have appeared in each of the country. One national dish is ''[[gallo pinto]]'' ("spotted rooster"), although the name has no relation to the ingredients. It is a combination of black beans and white rice and is spiced with cilantro, onions, garlic, salt, and a local condiment called Salsa Lizano. It is typically eaten at breakfast with eggs, and sometimes ''natilla'' (sour cream). Fried [[plantains]] and either corn [[tortillas]] or bread are also common. ''Gallo pinto'' is a common and typical dish in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua, being widely consumed in both countries. The origin of the dish has been debated for many years. Other typical dishes are ''[[arroz con pollo]]'', ''olla de carne'', and ''[[casado]]s''. ''Arroz con pollo'' (rice with chicken) consists of bite size chicken chunks mixed with rice and diced vegetables that include carrots, peas, corn, and [[garbanzo bean]]s. ''Olla de carne'' is mainly prepared on weekends.{{Citation needed|date=September 2009}} It is a broth of corn prepared by boiling water, meat, and whole-to large sized vegetable pieces, with spices. The soup is eaten in a bowl with the broth and separate plates for the vegetables and rice. Because preparation of the vegetables is tiresome and the size of the plate obligates using a large pot, it is prepared for family meetings and is usually prepared on Sundays after church.{{Citation needed|date=September 2009}} A ''casado'' is a one-plate meal that includes black beans, rice, a meat, fried plantains, and one or more side dishes. The meat can vary from chicken to beef to fish. Some examples of side dishes are pasta salad, vegetable salad, fried eggs, potatoes, spaghetti, or ''barbudos'' (green beans wrapped in egg batter). {{Citation needed|date=December 2009}} A very common practice when sitting down to eat is to drink a fruit drink of some kind. These are called ''refrescos'', ''frescos'', ''refrescos naturales'', or ''batidos'' (smoothies). They are made with either water or milk and come in an endless variety: [[cantaloupe]], [[strawberry]], [[tamarind]], [[mango]], [[papaya]], [[lemon]], [[blackberry]], [[guanabana]], [[fruit punch]], [[horchata]], and a local favorite, [[cas]]. There are some regional differences. For example, the Caribbean side of the country, because of its roots, enjoys ''gallo pinto'' with coconut milk, while the north-western part of the country has a strong tendency towards corn products and is famous for large, cheese filled tortillas, corn snacks, and other dishes. == Pura vida == ''Pura vida'' literally means "pure life", but the meaning is closer to "full of life", "purified life", "this is living!", "going great", or "cool!"<ref name="term">Dictionary of Latin American Terms, http://www.asihablamos.com/word/palabra/Pura%20vida.php</ref> It can be used as a greeting, as a word of farewell, to express satisfaction, or to politely express indifference when describing something.<ref name="term"/> The phrase has become widely known; this highly flexible statement has been used by many Costa Ricans (and expatriates) since 1956.<ref>http://www.costarica.com/Home/Culture/National_Symbols/National_Motto</ref> Some foreigners view the phrase as an expression of a leisurely lifestyle, of disregard for time, and of wanton friendliness. However, Costa Ricans use the phrase to express a philosophy of strong community, perseverance, resilience in overcoming difficulties with good spirits, enjoying life slowly, and celebrating good fortune of magnitudes small and large alike. == References == <references/> {{Latin America topic|Culture of|Latin American culture}} [[Category:Costa Rican culture]] [[fr:Culture du Costa Rica]] [[pt:Cultura da Costa Rica]] [[es:Cultura de Costa Rica]] ''' Historically, Costa Rica has been relatively impoverished in the area of native arts and crafts. The country, with its relatively small and heterogeneous pre-Columbian population (devastated at an early stage), had no unique cultural legacy that could spark a creative synthesis where the modern and the traditional might merge. Social tensions (often catalysts to artistic expression) felt elsewhere in the isthmus were lacking. More recently, creativity has been stifled by the Ticos' desire to praise the conventional lavishly and criticize rarely. In recent years, however, artists across the spectrum have found a new confidence and are shaking off rigid social norms, exciting for a country long dismissed as a cultural backwater. The performing arts are flourishing, and the National Symphony Orchestra sets a high standard for other musical troupes to follow. Ticos now speak proudly of their "cultural revolution." The new sophistication in culture is amply demonstrated by the introduction of an International Art Festival in 1992 (see Festivals and Holidays, this chapter), an annual event that has won a place among the arts festivals of the continent. The festival has brought inspiration and new ideas while raising the quality of local groups by allowing them to measure themselves against international talent.'