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Culture
Costa Rica is noted more for its natural beauty and
friendly people than for its culture.
The
overwhelming European influence erased almost all
indigenous culture, and because Costa Rica was a
country of subsistence agriculturalists until the
middle of the 19th century, cultural activity has
only begun to blossom in the last 100 years.
By some estimates, over 90% of the country is Roman
Catholic, at least in principle. In practice, most
church attendance takes place at christenings,
funerals and marriages.
Blacks on the Caribbean
coast tend to be Protestant, and there is a
sprinkling of other denominations in San José,
including a small Jewish community. Spanish is the
official language, though English is understood in touristed areas.
Many Caribbean blacks speak a
lively dialect of English, known as Creole. Indian
languages are spoken in isolated areas, primarily Bribri, which is estimated to be understood by about
10,000 people.
No one goes to Costa Rica for the cuisine. Although
traditional dishes run to the South American staples
of beef, chicken and fish dishes, with rice, corn or
beans and fresh fruit as supplements, most of this
fare has given way to the ubiquitous pizza and
burger option.
And even these can only be included
in 'cuisine' by stretching the definition to its
breaking point. Also be warned that ticos love to
spice up European dishes with salt - lots of it.
We're talking lip-puckering, instant-dehydrating,
body-shuddering proportions.
On the positive side,
their coffee is sublime. Even the coffee that
accompanies the limp burger from the fast food joint
is a cut above your average North American cup of
coffee.
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