Today is Mother´s Day in Costa Rica. It coincides with the Catholic Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which also takes place today. Since the majority of costarricenses are Catholic (75%), it just seemed logical to celebrate Mother´s Day on the same day as the Assumption of the most holy mother of all time.
Today is feriado, which means the government offices, schools, banks, and many businesses are closed. It is a national holiday. A few years ago the government tried to change the date to the Monday following August 15th, so people could have a 3 day weekend. However that didn´t go over very well, the people protested and it was changed back to August 15th. Tradition!
Mothers have a very central role in the family and are respected much more in the latina culture than in ours. Needless to say, the people go all out to honor their mothers. On the way to school this morning, (yes, WE had school), the road was lined with people selling last minute gifts such as flower bouquets. I went to the mall at lunch and it was the same thing. They have been advertising this day for weeks.
At the mall this evening, mothers were walking around with their families. Some were carrying flowers and dressed up for a fancy evening. There appeared to be some "make overs" going on: a couple of women were getting haircuts and make up in the center of the 1st floor. A Mariachi band was strolling and playing. If you haven't heard Mariachi music, here is a sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmUjYeJehsM&feature=related
Here is a picture of the mariachis in the mall:
The family I am living with have their own tradition of preparing and eating lunch together on Mother´s Day.. After lunch they visit the grandmother. The children and husband shower their mom with gifts. Last night, Mayra´s son and grandson were trying to sneak their presents into the house, laughing and having a good time making their preparations for today. Like me, Mayra doesn´t want electrodomesticos (things for the house), but would prefer lotions, jewelry and clothing, things that are more personal. She said the varones, (men) would make all the plans and surprise her today.
I have been wished ¨Feliz Dia de la Madre¨ several times today. They tell me it is my day, too. So I guess I had two Mother´s Days this year!
When Kesa and I got home this evening, the family was all gathered together in the living room. Everyone was happy (the spirits were flowing so this probably contributed to the glee!) They were watching and listening to a DVD of a famous Mexican mariachi singer, Vincente Fernandez, a favorite of the family. Jorge, the son of Miguel and Mayra, called me into the room to give me a present from Jose Miguel, his 10 year old son. Because Jose Miguel was at his mother's house, he asked his father to present the gift to me. Jorge delivered a very sweet speech explaining that Jose Miguel knew that I am a mother and he wanted to make sure I was also given a gift and honored. Jose Miguel made a beautiful card for me and gave me a joyero (small wooden box for jewelry) and a box of chocolates:
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| A representation of the flag of Costa Rica is on the left of the card; Jose Miguel's school picture is on the right. The card reads: Congratulations. I wish you a beautiful day. - Jose Miguel |
We stayed up way too late laughing, talking, and listening to the mariachi music and the music of Rocio Durcal, a singer from Spain, who passed away in 2006. What a lovely evening we had!
Finally, another bonus today was the easy commute to and from school today. With it being a national holiday, the roads were wide open...no traffic. Yeah!
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