Costa Rican Locals: Tico Culture 101
Whether you are vacationing or moving to Costa Rica, you are going to be spending much time with the locals. It is important to understand their culture not only to fit in, but to also respect their traditions and way of life. Consider this your “Tico Culture 101.”
Who Are The Ticos?
The term “ticos” is the collective name Costa Ricans gave themselves. “Tico” is used for men, and “tica” for women. The phrase came from the common habit of Costa Ricans adding “tico” to the end of words. It’s a phrase of affection.
Ticos are extremely friendly people with rich history and custom. Here is an overview of some of the special ways Costa Rican locals are set apart.
Pura Vida
Pura Vida is the phrase of the Costa Ricans and also their way of life. “Pure life” embodies the idea of enjoying life instead of rushing through it. Pura Vida is often used as a greeting or farewell. You can even use it to express how you are doing when asked.
Futbol/Soccer
Soccer (futbol in Spanish) is absolutely everything to Ticos. If a game is on, the locals are watching. You see soccer fields everywhere throughout the country, and you may be surprised how often you see either a pick-up game or an organized local team practicing in these fields. The Costa Rica national football is dearly beloved by the people.
Tico Time
When you first get to Costa Rica, you may hear somebody joke about Ticos running on “Tico time.” Though it is definitely an affectionate term, the truth is it’s not really a joke. Ticos are known for their laid-back lifestyles and this translates into their arrival times. It is common to expect locals to be anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour late for any appointment you have made.
Sodas and Typical Food
Local cuisine can be found at one of the many wonderful little restaurants off the side of the roads called sodas. These sodas serve typical Costa Rican food like Gallo Pinto (rice and beans for breakfast) or Casados (a lunch or dinner of rice, beans, salad, grilled meat, veggies, and plantains.) You will find locals in sodas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Religion
Just over 70% of Ticos identify themselves as Catholic. This religious majority undoubtedly has an effect on the culture and way of life. This includes the a focus on the family, the presence of many churches, and more traditional gender roles (though the younger generations are gravitating away from strict gender roles.)
Semana Santa
Due to that high population of Catholic locals, Semana Santa (AKA Holy Week), is revered throughout the country. During this week before Easter, Ticos often are off from work and travel with their families to vacation spots like Tamarindo Beach.
Unique Phrases
Outside of the phrase “Pura Vida,” Costa Ricans have many unique variations on the Spanish language. For example, nobody really says the common “de nada” for “you’re welcome.” Instead, they use “con mucho gusto” or “con gusto.” Another unique phrase is “mae” used similarly to “dude” when talking to a friend. For a more complete list on local phrases, read “How To Talk Like a Tico.”
Usted
This is for all you Spanish speakers out there. While many Latin American countries use the “tu” form of “you” when conversing informally, Costa Ricans use the “usted” form. This means you will be asking “¿como esta?” instead of “¿como estas?” The “tu” structure is so uncommon; it’s considered a tad impolite. Though the friendly Ticos extend grace to clueless foreigners.
Kiss On The Cheek
Costa Ricans often greet with an air kiss on one cheek. This is especially common for a man and a woman – whether they are family members, good friends, or new acquaintances.
