Who are Ticos?

Below you will find an article by John McKenzie, sales consultant. If you would like to contact John just drop him an e mail on johnm@costaricainvest.ie or give him a call on +353 1 272 4184

The Costa Ricans (Ticos)

Costa Ricans (Ticos) are gentle, spirited, friendly, educated, polite, and kind people. They like visitors from other countries and treat them well. There are, of course, exceptions, but on the whole, you can expect to be made welcome wherever you go.

Ticos is the collective common name that Costa Ricans call themselves. More specifically, a Tica is a female Costa Rican and a Tico is a male. They are extremely family orientated and they love music and dance. In fact Costa Ricans, like almost all Latinos, love to party and really enjoy each others company.

Ticos are extremely polite and most will try to avoid a confrontation or appear rude in any way.

Holidays are dear to the hearts of most Costa Ricans. Traditional holiday celebrations offer visitors an insight into the culture and beliefs of Costa Ricans. Ticos are renowned for their gregarious nature which is apparent during the numerous fiestas, horse parades, and carnivals celebrated throughout the country.

Costa Ricans feel distinct from their neighbours by their "whiteness" and relative lack of indigenous culture. Ticos identify themselves first and foremost as Costa Ricans and only Central Americans or Latin Americans, as an afterthought.

Democracy is their most treasured institution, and the ideal of personal liberty is strongly cherished. Costa Ricans are intensely proud of their accomplishments in this arena and show it at 6 p.m. on each 14 September, on the eve of Independence Day, when the whole nation comes to a halt and everyone sings the national anthem.

You won’t find a people more deeply committed to the preservation of their natural wonders. Their country is small, yet within the country they have no less than one fifth of the world’s total biodiversity. They have set aside 26% of their total land area as national parks and reserves and they plan to be carbon neutral by 2021.

If you would like to contact John McKenzie, just drop him an e mail on johnm@costaricainvest.ie or give him a call on +353 1 272 4184