![]() They men greet each other with a handshake and the women with kisses on the cheek. Most Ticos and Ticas take pride in being cultured, polite, and civil.Costa Rica even has a female president! But no matter how much success women achieve, they are still expected to take care of children and the home. For instance, a large number of Costa Rican women are professionals and hold high positions in businesses and the government. However, in contrast to all of that “machismo,” it is in many ways a very progressive country towards women.Costa Rica, like most Latin American countries, exhibits a good deal of male chauvinism in its daily life, called “machismo.”.However, these days that is becoming less of the norm. This is the practice for both young women and men, who traditionally never left home to live solo or be independent outside of marriage. Most Costa Ricans live with their mother and father at home right up until the time they are married.It’s also not uncommon to see female-headed domestic units with multiple generations among poor or common people. Most of the time, two or three generations or more live together, with older relatives being cared for by their younger family members. It’s still common for extended families to live under one roof.But the laws for child support are stern in Costa Rica, with the National Child Welfare Board garnishing wages of men who fail to pay child support, even blocking them from traveling abroad. Many wealthy men (and probably women) still have affairs, keeping mistresses and even second families.Although Costa Rica is a traditionally Catholic nation, divorce and separation are frequent and not as scorned as in other Central or South American countries.The median age for marriage in Costa Rica is twenty-one for women and twenty-four for men, significantly younger than the average age of matrimony in the United States.Children, however, take their father’s last name just like in the United States or Canada. Ticas (female Costa Ricans) don’t take their husband’s last name, but uses her full maiden name for life, so there is no change on her national ID card, drivers license, etc. Names can sometimes be confusing in Costa Rica and work differently than in North America.The national saying in Costa Rica is “Pura vida,” which means “pure life,” a sunny, feel good expression used as a greeting, goodbye, or if someone asks how you are doing.When someone is your boyfriend or girlfriend – your other half – in Costa Rica, they are called your “media naranja,” or the other half of your orange.When a woman is pregnant in Costa Rica they say she is “con luz,” or “with light.”.Costa Ricans call themselves Ticos and Ticas, a reference to their affinity for adding an “ico” to the end of words, which denotes that something is small or little in a cute way.They are almost always cordial and welcoming to foreigners, too, often inviting them to family gatherings or dinners. Costa Ricans are known for their laid back, friendly and hospitable ways.Be sure to follow us on social media or email if you have any questions! Here are the first 20 facts about pura vida and Costa Rican culture, and in part two of this blog we’ll cover the next 20. If you’re planning on visiting the beautiful tropical nation of Costa Rica for a vacation – or maybe a more prolonged stay – it’s important you learn about the culture, etiquette, and traditions of the wonderful Ticos and Ticas (we’ll explain that) who live there.
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