As in most Latin-American countries the official religion of Costa Rica is Roman Catholic. Most of the holidays coincide therefore with religious events. The most important holiday is the Easter Holy Week. Almost the entire country closes down for a week and millions of Costa Ricans spend their free week on the beaches on the Caribbean and Pacific Coast. From Holy Thursday till Sunday Costa Rica is under a dry law that prohibits the sale of alcohol all over the country. August 2nd is another important religious holiday, since it’s the day of the Virgin of Los Angeles, Costa Rica’s patron saint. Thousands of people walk to the basilica of Cartago to worship the virgin, better known as ‘La Negrita’. August 15th the rise of Virgin Mary into heaven coincides with Mothers’ Day, when sons and daughter honor their mother with a visit and presents. November 2nd All Saints Day is held, when the loved ones who passed away are remembered by visiting the cemeteries and attending special masses. Like everywhere else in the world, Christmas is the most important Christian holiday of the year. Exuberant light decorations dominate the entire country at that time of year. Combined with the inevitable shopping spree that became an also important part of the Christmas spirit. Another non-religious holiday is the 1st of May (Labor Day). But Costa Rica has a couple interesting national holidays that have their roots in the history of the country. Juan Santamaria Day on April 11th is dedicated to this national hero, who played an important roll in the battle of Rivas. Juan Santamaria sacrificed himself by torching a building where the troops of William Walker were fiercely resisting the Costa Rican army of volunteers. As a result of Juan Santamaria’s action the aspirations of Walker to conquer the whole of Central America evaporated when he was driven back north. July 25th is the holiday commemorating the Annexation of Guanacaste in 1824. Celebrated on its best in the province of Guanacaste with horse and cattle shows, bull fights and festivals. On September 15th Costa Rica’s Independence from Spain in 1821 is celebrated. This is the most patriotic holiday, filled with parades, flags and drum bands. October 12th used to be Columbus Day, but since modern history has reevaluated the merits of the often cruel Spanish Conquest, the name of this holiday has been changed to Dia de la Raza (Day of the Race). Now this holiday acknowledges the culture of the almost extinct indigenous tribes of Costa Rica and other multicultural influences that created the nation. On December 1st it’s the Day of Abolition of the Armed Forces, celebrating the unique fact that Costa Rica dismantled its army in 1984.