Ticos and Ticas in Costa Rica

Aside from its near-perfect weather, biodiversity and ceaseless natural beauty, Costa Rica also possesses a great attraction in its people.

Ticos, as Costa Ricans are fondly called, are renowned for their gregarious nature, which is especially apparent during the numerous fiestas, street fairs and carnivals celebrated throughout the year in all parts of the nation. See Holidays and Special Events

Nothing exemplifies the Tico spirit more than the favorite expression “Pure Vida!” which can be heard everywhere. The phrase is used whenever Ticos want to express that a situation, an object or a person is great, cool, enjoyable or fun. Literally the words mean ‘pure life,’ but it is routinely uttered to reflect different sentiments. If you ask a Tico ‘How are you?’ the answer ‘Pura Vida!’ simply means ‘great’; if you ask ‘Can you do it?’ the answer ‘Pura Vida’ means ‘Sure, no problem’; if someone says ‘Pura Vida’ as he walks away it means ‘have a great day’; and if someone say ‘Pura Vida’ when you are upset or worried it is a reminder to ‘take it easy.’ As a tourist traveling through the country, you can use ‘Pura Vida’ to say ‘hi’ or ‘goodbye’ to anyone and bring a smile to their face. You can even express your appreciation for someone by saying "Usted es Pura Vida!" More importantly, the spirit of ‘Pura Vida’ transcends spoken words; it is on the faces of the vendors in the streets, the strangers who greet you in the countryside, the children who wave to you as you drive by, and the elderly who smile at you in the city parks.

Besides loving their democracy, families and ‘Pure Vida,’ Costa Ricans are famously passionate about Soccer. It is said that after Catholicism, soccer is the other religion in this country. Most Costa Ricans know a lot about European soccer competitions and enjoy sharing their knowledge – a good way to strike up a conversation with a Tico if you are a soccer fan. Almost without exception, every town and village in Costa Rica, no matter how tiny, has three essential landmarks: a school, a church and a soccer field, preferably next to each other. In their spare time, a little soccer match as part of a break is very much a family tradition for Ticos; families and friends often get together to savor the constant broadcast of soccer matches on television.

Another characteristic about Costa Ricans that sets them apart from neighboring countries is the emphasis they attach to personal appearance. Ticos take great pride in being well dressed, even those with modest means. In touristy places, you can often see that Ticos are far more smartly dressed than the tourists.

Costa Rica is arguably the most pro-American country in Latin America, especially among the younger generations of Ticos, who are generally friendly and outgoing and will go out of their way to help the tourists in need, even if they cannot speak English. Their friendliness towards North Americans is helped by their love for American music, TV shows, fashions and fast foods.

Costa Rican women are widely considered to be among the most attractive in the western hemisphere, not least because of their liberal outlook and fine dress sense. Coming from other parts of the world, you cannot help but admire the sight of so many shapely Ticas in the streets. But more significantly, Costa Rican women are highly educated, naturally gentle in dispositions, and strong in family values. Mother’s day, by the way, is one of the most important public holidays in Costa Rica.

In spite of a genuine respect for women in the Tico society, ‘machismo’ nevertheless exists - the mentality that men are somehow superior. Indulgences such as heavy drinking and keeping mistresses seem socially accepted as a reflection of machismo, as is harmless flirting. Ticas and foreign women alike know that the flirtatious teases and flatteries coming from Tico males in the streets are nothing more than a show off of ‘machismo.’