Costa Rican dresses by Denis' Life

Costa Rican dresses by Denis' Life


Costa Rica which is officially called as the Republic of Costa Rica is an independent Latin country located in Central America which was inhabited by the indigenous Indians before it came under Spanish rule in the 16th century. It became a free and sovereign state on September 15, 1821 after the final Spanish defeat in the Mexican War of Independence.

Folk dancers in magnificent traditional outfits. Image by Steve Jurvetson
Folk dancers in magnificent traditional outfits. Image by Steve Jurvetson

Neighboring Caribbean islands, Costa Rica has mixed culture of Spanish and the West-Indian influences. The majority of the Costa Ricans belong to the Spanish ancestry with some minorities of other Europeans and local Indian people. Most of the indigenous inhabitants in Costa Rica live in the secluded reservations.

An indigenous boy from a village of Costa Rica in his traditional garb
An indigenous boy from a village of Costa Rica in his traditional garb

Traditional dress of Costa Rica is mainly a part of the country’s heritage today as the most people usually wear the North American dresses. However, the country being very tourist friendly, the traditional outfits are part of cultural events and festivals that are commonly held in every part of the territory. There are plenty of celebrations and ceremonies in Costa Rica to represent the lives and customs of Costa Rican people. The performers dress up in bright colored and fascinating costumes in awesome style.

A  group of Carmen Miranda dancers in traditional dresses, Costa Rica. Image by Steven Depolo
A group of Carmen Miranda dancers in traditional dresses, Costa Rica. Image by Steven Depolo

Naturally Costa Ricans are well-dressed nation. Fashion is important to them and they believe in neat and clean appearances by clothing gorgeously. Traditional dress for men in Costa Rica is simple like other Latin American and Spanish speaking countries as they usually white wear cotton pants and shirt with a red sash belt around waist.

Traditional dancers of Costa Rica
Traditional dancers of Costa Rica

In the folk dances of Costa Rica, the male performers may be seen in common jeans or white trousers with long sleeved white shirts and wearing a cotton or straw hat. They also wear a colorful kerchief around their neck and sometimes seen with bandanas. Red cummerbunds around their waists are also prominent while dancing.

Traditional costumes worn by folk dancers of Costa Rica. Image by Denis' Life
Traditional costumes worn by folk dancers of Costa Rica. Image by Denis’ Life

Modern Costa Rican guys who mostly live in the urban areas wear long pants, jeans with shirts or T-shirts. Joggers are frequently worn by them as favorite footwear. More fashionable and trendy young men of Costa Rica can also be seen wearing the US or European bejeweled tops with decorated and stylish pants.

Costa Rican men playing Maracas. Image by n fiore
Costa Rican men playing Maracas. Image by n fiore

Traditional dresses for women in Costa Rica generally include multi colored layered skirts usually in bright red, white or blue colors with a white off the shoulder, sleeveless fluffy ruffle top blouses which are bedecked with ribbon or common embroidery. They love to wear a choker band necklace and hairs are adorned with a magnificent flower.

Folklore Dancer in Ciudad Colon, Costa Rica. Image by Guy Tschiderer
Folklore Dancer in Ciudad Colon, Costa Rica. Image by Guy Tschiderer

There are slight divergent ranges for the traditional costuming of women in Costa Rica. In the South of Costa Rica, women have trend to wear loose fitting blouse with embellished necklines along with coat type skirts. These geometrically patterned dresses are customarily prepared with natural fibers and dyes and decorated with different color bands.

Traditional and indigenous fashion in Costa Rica. Photo taken by Fran
Traditional and indigenous fashion in Costa Rica. Photo taken by Fran

In the folklore presentations of Costa Rica, the female dancers are routinely dressed up in sleeveless long skirts having white or semi-white tops. Stitching is applied on the costumes with vibrant and shiny colorful threads and the charm is enhanced by wearing a blazing red cummerbund which is tied around the waist. In some more frenzy appearances, the Costa Rican dancers wear hoods or headdresses in the shape of an animal or a burlap covering.

Punto guanacasteco is the most popular folk dance in Costa Rica which is also considered as the national dance of the country.
Punto guanacasteco is the most popular folk dance in Costa Rica which is also considered as the national dance of the country.

Punto guanacasteco is the most popular folk dance in Costa Rica which is also considered as the national dance of the country. Dance is involved between a couple in which the movements are made by taking short steps to indicate courtship. The female dancer is seen wearing satin ruffled long skirts with ribbon embellishment in each tier. This colorful satin skirt creates a mesmerizing effect with exotic movements and the male partner tosses colored scarves, fanning hats, and utter loud cowboy yelps.

A Costa Rican couple ready to give samba latin dance performance. Image by Steven Depolo
A Costa Rican couple ready to give samba latin dance performance. Image by Steven Depolo

In the normal life, Costa Rican women are seen in colorful light weight garments in accordance with the tropical and hot climate of the country. Generally, knee length skirts are worn although wearing pants is also quite typical for Costa Rican women in the cities. Some modern and young ladies are also trendy to wear miniskirts with seductive tops.

A couple in wedding costumes from Costa Rica. Image credit
A couple in wedding costumes from Costa Rica. Image credit

Beaches are major tourist attraction in Costa Rica and people can enjoy the beaches and sunshine with typical beach costumes. Things like shorts and flip flops are acceptable and necessary. Wearing little bikinis or thong bikinis is gradually becoming popular but it is to be remembered that there are no nude beaches in Costa Rica.

A couple walking on the beach in Costa Rica wearing beach costumes. Image David Amsler
A couple walking on the beach in Costa Rica wearing beach costumes. Image David Amsler

Traditional dress of Costa Rica which is a charming garb of Latin America has become significant in the tourism industry as it is the most alluring and fascinating element in the festivals held for the foreign visitors. It is an adorable symbol of the country’s unique culture and history.

Costa Rican girls in Belly dance costumes. Image by Mario André Cordero Alfaro
Costa Rican girls in Belly dance costumes. Image by Mario André Cordero Alfaro

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