La Semana Santa en Costa Rica

Last week was a popular holiday in Mal Pais, and no, I am not talking about Spring Break. It was La Semana Santa, or Holy Week. Many Ticos (Costa Rican locals) migrated to the beautiful beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula to celebrate the religious festivites not by performing rituals and/or prayer, but drinking heavily in tents along the shore, says my Costa Rican friends.

Many Costa Rican residents who are originally from the United States are eager for the holiday to pass as quickly as possible. The traffic is horrific during Holy Week and the beaches are left covered with trash by careless individuals.

Ticos and fellow residents stock up on alcohol prior to the holiday because it is not sold at many places during this seven day time span.

While many migrate to the beaches of Playa Carmen, Santa Teresa and Mal Pais some stay home and celebrate with family and friends to avoid the chaos of traveling. During Holy Week, which is also known as Easter Week, a majority of public transportation is shut down.

When me and my freinds were leaving San Jose Friday to return to the States, on our way to the airport their was no traffic because all public transportation was closed for the day.

The shuttle from the hotel was one of the few vehicles on the road.

We were lucky to not come across any problems with travel. Before planning our trip we did not consider La Semana Santa in which basically all modes of transportation are halted Thursday through Monday.

One thing is for sure though, now that Monday has come many coastal residents of Nicoya Peninsula will be relieved that the holiday is over and the celebration has ended. Now their beautiful beach towns will return to tranquil and peaceful villages.

A Glance at la pura vida in Mal Pais, Costa Rica

Mal Pais located on Nicoya Peninsula in the Puntarenas Province is a popular surfing village on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.

The town is very small, only stretching about three kilometers in total. The downtown area is not even part of the little surf village. This area is known as Santa Teresa, where some of the best coastal waves are found.

In Montezuma, about a 20 to 30 minute car ride away, visitors can spend the day hiking beautiful trails, zip lining through the rainforests and jumping from 60 foot waterfalls.

Some guest may decide to only spend the day there. If this is the case San Jose is only a 25 minutes plane ride away or approximately 8 hours by bus and ferry from Mal Pais.

If backpacking through the country there is a great hostel named Tranquilo Backpackers that is right in the heart of town and only $10 per night.

The currency in Costa Rica is Colones so if you decide to use this method of payment instead, 500 Colones is equivalent to $1.


Create Your Own

Author Malin Alegria visits the Pima County Library for Las Nuestras Raices Literary Arts Festival

Saturday, March 8 emerging Latina author Malin Alegria Ramirez read from her first novel, Estrella’s Quinceanera at Pima County Library's Las Nuestras Raices Literary Arts Festival.

The festival, which runs from Feb.29 to March 27, celebrates Mexican-American authors, as well as arts and culture. In total the event will be held at eight branch libraries and two community venues.

Ramirez, who read from her novel, discussed how she became an author, and answered questions from the audience, ended her presentation with a fashion show featuring Tucson teens modeling beautiful Quinceanera dresses.

Ramirez's presentation recieved laughter and applause from the audience as she vividly acted out each character, using hand gestures and changing the tone of her voice.

A Quinceanera celebration is an important day in the life of a 15-year-old. It symbolizes a bridge into womanhood, and is similar to what most young ladies celebrate a year later, also known as the sweet sixteen.

The Quinceanera is more so a cultural event, with much more planning and finances than a sweet sixteen. The event brings together friends and family to recognize a special time in the woman's life.

It was believed to have been created in the 16th century as a way of first introducing one's daughter to society in hopes of finding her a husband.

Ramirez relives the quinceanera that she never had through Estrella's story. The novel is humurous and includes all of the quirky characters any family is bound to have.

The author regrets not having one now.

"I was like the character in the book. I didn't want a Quinceanera," Ramirez said. "As a adult now I reflect on the importance of honoring a girl becoming a woman."

La Fuente

La Fuente Mexican Restaurant located at 1749 North Oracle Road in Tucson, Arizona is a tasty, authentic eatery infused with border town flavors. La Fuente, which means "fountain" in Spanish is a popular mexican restaurant in town.

The cuisine is a little pricey but well worth it for the fun, festive environment. The menu offers a variety of mouth-watering burritos, enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, etc... And you cannot forget the pitchers of margaritas that perfectly compliment the meal!

The restaurant provides guests with live entertainment while enjoying their festive cuisine. A Live Mariachi Band plays regularaly, singing songs like "Guantanamera." People generously give money to the band for them to play their favorite spanish songs.

The decor of the restaurant is authentic and unique, with bright, colorful artifacts from all over Mexico displayed around the room.

The staff and servers are friendly, making you feel right at home at this magnificent mexican restaurant.