Celebrate President’s Birthday and the Little Devils Festival on February 19 and January 15

On February 19 every year, Americans come together to celebrate the birthday of one of the most influential figures in our nation’s history – the President. This special day commemorates the life and achievements of past presidents, and also serves as a reminder of the important role our leaders play in shaping our country. But, February 19 holds another significant celebration for Costa Ricans – the Fiesta de los Diablitos, or the Little Devils Festival, on January 15. While these two events may seem unrelated, they both hold a deep cultural significance and bring people together to celebrate and remember. The tradition of celebrating the President’s birthday dates back to the late 18th century, when George Washington’s birthday (February 22) became a national holiday. Over time, this holiday evolved to honor all of the nation’s presidents, and in 1971, it was officially designated as Presidents’ Day. While some states still celebrate the birthdays of specific presidents, most states now celebrate Presidents’ Day on the third Monday in February. This day is often marked with parades, historical reenactments, and of course, sales and discounts at stores. But in Costa Rica, another celebration takes place in January that may seem unrelated to the President’s birthday, but has its own cultural significance. The Fiesta de los Diablitos is a traditional indigenous festival celebrated by the Boruca people, an indigenous group that resides in the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica. The festival is held from January 15 to 20 every year and is a celebration of the Boruca culture and traditions. During this festival, participants dress up as diablitos or ‘little devils’ and reenact the story of the Boruca tribe’s battle against Spanish conquistadors. The diablitos wear hand-carved wooden masks and paint their bodies with natural dyes to represent the spirits of their ancestors. The festival includes traditional dances, music, and storytelling, and is a way for the Boruca people to honor their past and preserve their culture. For both Costa Ricans and Americans, February 19 and January 15 are days of celebration and remembrance. While they may hold different meanings, both events bring people together to celebrate their history and culture. So, this February 19, as we celebrate the President’s birthday, let us also take a moment to appreciate the rich diversity and traditions that make our world a more vibrant and beautiful place. And as we gear up for the Fiesta de los Diablitos in January, let us remember the importance of preserving our unique cultures and passing down our traditions to future generations. Together, we can continue to honor our past, celebrate our present, and build a better future.