COSTA RICAN MASKS:
New National Symbol

The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) and the Ministry of Culture, have proposed a project to declare the Costa Rican Mascaradas as new national symbol.

El Instituto Costarricense de Turismo y el Ministerio de Cultura, han impulsado un proyecto que declara las mascaradas costarricenses como símbolo nacional. 

After its proposal, today April 21st 2022, the masquerades have been incorporated as a new national symbol; in addition to celebrating Traditional Masquarade Day on October 31st.

Costa Rica has a historical legacy of traditions involving masks, reason for which this project has been driven; in order to preserve and promote these traditions.

Tras proponerse el proyecto, hoy 21 de Abril del 2022, se incorporan las mascaradas como nuevo símbolo costarricense; sumándose al 31 de octubre como Día de la Mascarada Tradicional Costarricense.

Costa Rica tiene un histórico legado de tradiciones con máscaras, razón por la cual se ha impulsado este proyecto; con el fin de conservar y promover el rescate de estas tradiciones. 

The first traditional masks date from the precolombina cultures within the territory. They would create masks from mud, volcanic rock, balsa wood, jade and even gold; using natural pigments to paint them. These masks were representative of the indigenous cosmo-vision. A particular example of these traditions, that has transcended into modern day, is the ‘Juego de los Diablitos’ from the Boruca community in the Souther Pacific region of Costa Rica.


Las primeras tradiciones de mascaras provienen de las culturas precolombinas del territorio quienes fabricaban mascaras de arcilla, piedra volcánica, balsa, jade y oro; pintándolas con pigmentos naturales y que eran representativas de la cosmovisión indígena. Un destacado ejemplo de estas tradiciones, que ha llegado hasta la actualidad, es el Juego de los Diablillos de la comunidad indígena de Boruca.

During the Colonial era, masquerades came to life thanks to the so called ‘parlampanes’; groups of humble people who would dress up with disguises and use masks crafted with paper maché, which represented animals and folkloric legends. These masquerades grew popular among the religious and state festivities as well as within the bull fights.


Durante la época Colonial, las mascaradas tomaban vida entre los llamados parlampanes; vecinos generalmente humildes quienes se disfrazaban con trajes y usaban mascaras fabricadas con papel maché, que representaban animales. Estas mascaradas se popularizaron entre los festejos religiosos y populares y las corridas de toros. 

By the end of the 19th Century the traditional masquerades make a comeback, at the same time in which the National Theater was built and the National School of Arts was founded; creating a contrast between the satiric and festive culture of the streets, with the elegance of the new theatre and academy that symbolized Eurovision and contemporary culture.


A finales del siglo XIX las tradicionales mascaradas resurgen en el país, al mismo tiempo que se construía el Teatro Nacional y se fundaba la Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes; contrastando entre cultura festiva, satírica y callejera, con la elegancia del nuevo teatro que simbolizaba europeización y modernidad.

The rescue of this cultural treasure, that is engrained within the popular history of the region; has now a new value within the tourism sector of the country. Costa Rican Masks represent one more element in national culture and create a market for the millions of visitors from around the globe, who are amazed by the bright colors and mystical or popular beings who are portrayed iconically through these masks.


El rescate de esta riqueza cultural, cuyas raíces están intrínsecas en la historia popular de la región; tiene ahora un nuevo valor entre el sector turístico del país. Las máscaras costarricenses representan un elemento más en la cultura nacional y encuentran mercado entre los visitantes de todo el mundo que se deslumbran entre colores ricos y seres místicos o populares, retratados de manera icónica.







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    Our Recognitions

    emike16
    emike16
    2024-03-28
    Adventure after an adventure We drove rather than taking the shuttle and that added some extra adventure. The roads are largely dirt and rocks for much of the way and you will think you are lost, but it is worth it. The waterfalls and pools are amazing. The hike is not for those not in shape, but the rainforest is incredible and you get a view of the volcano from a platform above the canopy. The chicken and rice meal was also surprisingly good and make sure you try their coffee.
    PJ A
    PJ A
    2024-03-19
    Sensoria Rainforest is a beautiful protected area of Costa Rica We had a very good time at Sensoria. The rainforest, waterfalls and scenery were beautiful. Our guide was a bit quiet but helpful and accommodating. We saw two waterfalls and were able to walk in them. The volcanic soils create the most clear and blue water we have ever seen. There were two plunge pools we were allowed to go in, as well as one thermal pool. Unfortunately the only wildlife we saw were some exotic birds and snakes (poisonous!). The property is in a type of land trust so it will not be disturbed with development, and they have motion cameras showing the wildlife within the park. The one downside is the ride to and from – horrible roads, very rough ride.
    Thomas C
    Thomas C
    2024-03-17
    Dusk Experience This was an incredible experience. Probably the best of our trip to Costa Rica. We almost didn’t do it. We did the Dusk Experience. It had a moderate hike up and down the mountain with stops at a few waterfalls and swimming holes. Isaac was our guide. He was extremely knowledgeable and friendly… an expert in the local wildlife and fauna. The tour ended with a private thermal pool, perfectly lit with accent lighting, and a special selection of finger foods. At the end, Isaac and his partner stayed late and went out of their way to help me find my lost gopro camera. Service above and beyond what would have been expected.
    Bruce S
    Bruce S
    2024-03-01
    Must visit Sensoria…again! Sensoria was truly a highlight of our recent time in Costa Rica. The beauty and magic was elevated by our outstanding guide, Isaac. Thank you Isaac for making our visit remarkable. You are the Best!
    komet44
    komet44
    2024-02-16
    Great way to see the rainforest The tour was so interesting and our driver/guide, Pablo, was so knowledgeable and helpful . His assistant was also excellent and the two of them really added the enjoyment of this beautiful place. The hike was a workout but worth it. Highly recommend.
    tcald
    tcald
    2024-02-14
    Heaven on earth! This was the highlight of our trip to Costa Rica! Joaquin guided us through this magical place filled with natural beauty. The bluest waterfalls, the most lovely thermal pools, and the gorgeous forest. We choose the luxury experience with private swim pool and wine/snacks at the end. It was pure perfection. Cannot recommend highly enough. The only tough part was the drive up. You can get transport from hotels, but we choose to drive. The final 45 minutes is bumpy, unpaved terrain, so be sure your rental can handle it if you choose to drive. Worth every bump in the road. As Joaquin reminded us, ‘The toughest roads lead to the most beautiful places.’ He was right!
    Carol Szuky of Destination Booked
    Carol Szuky of Destination Booked
    2024-02-13
    The most perfect excursion with the best tour guide Isaac This experience exceeded my expectations and it is all thanks to our amazing tour guide Isaac. He was very excited to show us pretty much everything the rainforest and the nature of Costa Rica had to show us. We saw THREE sloths the day of our tour in their natural habitat. He said we were very lucky….it’s rare guests even ever see one! He knew so much about the water, the falls, the trees and every plant and creature. He truly is a nature lover and the best tour guide for us to really take in the whole experience. He was very patient with us and it was literally like we had the rainforest to ourselves. The food at the end was also delicious. I would have to say Isaac is the best tour guide we have ever had for all of our years of travel, and if you are a nature and lover, you will love this excursion! This exceeded our expectations. Thank you for a lifetime of memories. Pura Vida!
    John P
    John P
    2024-02-12
    Glad we experienced Sensoria Sensoria was a great experience. All done in first-class manner, from private shuttle service, to greeting, hiking, and lunch. Very pleasant and knowledgable guide (Isaac) who spoke expert English. The hike was more demanding than expected with a large number of steps up and down, but if your knees are healthy, it is not terribly strenuous. The dip in the cool waterfall pool was very refreshing and in the warm thermal pool a very relaxing way to end the hike. Lunch was very tasty. Elapsed time from Playa Conchal was 10 hours (6 hours of shuttle to/from and about 4 hours in Sensoria)
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