If you’ve ever been to Costa Rica, you know that it is a truly beautiful country. With its gorgeous beaches (including Playa Hermosa, which means “beautiful beach” in Spanish), islands full of snorkeling and SCUBA diving opportunities, the Monteverde Cloud Rainforest, and much more, it is truly a country to visit.
But the beauty isn’t just in the scenery, it’s in the hearts of the people there. The national motto, “Pura Vida,” translates into “simple life” or “pure life.” Costa Ricans, known colloquially as Ticos, use this term to say hello, goodbye, everything’s great, or everything’s cool. It’s more than just a saying, though; it’s an emotion, an attitude, and a way of life. It symbolizes the idea of simply enjoying life and remaining optimistic despite difficult times.
It’s not surprising that with this carefree, laid back and easygoing attitude, Costa Rica has been named one of the happiest countries in the world. When you take things as they come, feel thankful for what you have, and don’t dwell on the negative, you’re bound to be happy.
The term “pura vida” is most commonly have thought to come from a Mexican comedy movie by the same name, that came to Costa Rica in 1956. In the movie, “pura vida” is the phrase used by the main character, who remains optimistic despite the misfortune that plagues him. It took a while to catch on, but the phrase was being used all across the country by 1970. After that, it was only a matter of time before it became the nation’s official motto.
“The simple life was amazingly relaxing,” wrote Costa Rica Reviews. “Still, I was surprised one day when I got a glimpse of The Tico Times and right on the front page was the headline ‘Pura Vida makes Ticos the World’s Happiest.’”
And it’s no wonder that American tourists enjoy going to Costa Rica. The United States ranks #114 of 143 countries in happiness rankings. The concept of pura vida is so different from the hurry-hurry, stress-filled life of most Americans. Taking even a short break in a land full of beauty, relaxed life, and optimism does a lot to help tourists free themselves from the worries that surround them.
“In the end, my visit to Costa Rica had given me a taste of what pura vida feels like,” the Costa Rica Reviews writer concluded. “This was the unexpected souvenir I would take home with me—the concept of pura vida. It isn’t so far away either, I’m thinking, as I look beyond my computer to the trees in my own front yard. Still, letting it flourish in my day-to-day life is something I imagine I’ll be working on for a long time.”
Me, too, O anonymous writer. Me, too.