Every September 15th, Costa Rica bursts into a wave of blue, white, and red. Children carry faroles—lanterns glowing like little beacons of freedom—while parades, music, and folk dances fill the streets. Independence Day isn’t just about history here; it’s about identity, community, and the values that hold this small but mighty nation together.
A Nation’s First Step Toward Freedom
Costa Rica’s independence dates back to September 15, 1821, when Central America declared freedom from Spain. Unlike many nations where independence was won through bloody battles, Costa Rica’s transition was relatively peaceful—news of independence simply arrived by courier from Guatemala. This calm beginning allowed the young nation to focus on education, democracy, and social progress rather than rebuilding from war.
That spirit of peace continued more than a century later when, in 1948, Costa Rica made the remarkable decision to abolish its standing military. Instead of investing in weapons, the country redirected those resources into schools, healthcare, and environmental conservation. Today, Costa Rica stands as one of the world’s most stable democracies, a country defined not by force but by its commitment to peace and people.
Coffee: The Grain of Gold
Coffee was introduced to Costa Rica in the late 1700s, and by the mid-1800s it became the nation’s main export, funding schools, roads, and cultural institutions. It’s not an exaggeration to say coffee shaped modern Costa Rica. From the fertile volcanic soils of Tarrazú to the highlands of Naranjo, each region has given the world a taste of this country’s rich terroir.
Even today, coffee isn’t just an export—it’s a way of life. The daily “cafecito” pause at 4 p.m., when families and friends gather over fresh coffee and bread, is as much a ritual of freedom as the lantern parades that light up the night of September 14th.
Independence and Fairness in Every Cup
Since 1994, Café Milagro has been proud to be part of this story. For more than 30 years, we’ve worked directly with small farmers across Costa Rica, paying fair prices that sustain their families and communities. Just as independence gave Costa Rica sovereignty and dignity, fair coffee trade gives farmers freedom to thrive on their land.
From hand-picked cherries in the mountains to our roaster in downtown Quepos, every step reflects respect for the people and the land that make Costa Rican coffee exceptional. The result? Coffees that aren’t just delicious—they carry the essence of pura vida.
Raising a Cup to Freedom
This Independence Day, as Costa Rica celebrates its freedom, we raise a cup to the farmers, families, and communities who continue to make coffee a symbol of pride and resilience. For three decades and counting, Café Milagro has shared this legacy with the world, one roast at a time.
Because when you sip Costa Rican coffee, you’re not just tasting a drink—you’re honoring a tradition of independence, fairness, and community that runs as deep as the roots of the coffee trees themselves.
¡Feliz Día de la Independencia, Costa Rica!