The marimba, symbol of national culture and tradition and The Torch of Independence, symbol of freedom

The marimba, symbol of national culture and tradition

The marimba was declared a national instrument of Costa Rica by decree No. 25114-C published in La Gaceta No. 167, on September 3, 1996, during the government of José María Figueres Olsen, as a symbol of culture and tradition. His declaration was made in the midst of the celebrations for the 172nd anniversary of the Annexation of the Nicoya Party and to kick off the Cultural Week for the celebration of the Mayan New Year, so the Ministry of Culture of Costa Rica and the Mayan League of Guatemala organized a National Marimbas Festival that was held at the Melico Salazar Popular Theater. His objective was also to revalue the popular music played in marimbas, in an effort to make the new generations know their music and how to make this instrument. In 2017, during the government of Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera, it was declared to be celebrated every November 30 as National Marimba Day.

 

The Torch of Independence, symbol of freedom

It was declared a national symbol, as a representation of the ideal of freedom and independence that unites Costa Rica with its sister countries of Central America. On September 14, 2005, according to MEP decree No. 32647-C, under the administration of President Abel Pacheco de la Espriella. Its declaration as a national symbol is based on the fact that it is considered a representative icon of Costa Rican freedom and idiosyncrasy. The bill that sought the declaration of the Torch as a National Symbol, intended that with this, tribute be paid to Professor Alfredo Cruz Bolaños, main manager of this act.

As an antecedent, since 1821, the year of the independence of the Central American countries, this important event has been celebrated, particularly in each of the countries in the area. Given this circumstance, in 1964, the then Costa Rican Minister of Public Education, Samuel A. Vargas, took advantage of a meeting of ministers of Public Education held in Managua, Nicaragua, to present to his colleagues a project aimed at holding a joint celebration of all Central American sister towns to commemorate the momentous historical event.