Expat Community > Costa Rica

ILuvCR
Joined 2014
Posts: 1952

Costa Rica is “pura vida”!

5 years ago

"The most commonly used phrase in Costa Rica literally means “Pure life”, but the saying goes beyond its simple translation: it’s a way of life. Contextually, then, it symbolizes the idea of simply enjoying life and being happy. As the Urban Dictionary states, it’s a synonym of “hakuna matata” and reflects the relaxed lifestyle of Costa Ricans."

"According to a study of the expression by Anna Marie Trester***, a film called Pura vida came to Costa Rica from Mexico in 1956, directed by Gilberto Martínez Solares. In the movie, “Pura vida” is the expression of eternal optimism used by a comic character, played by the actor Antonio Espino, who unfortunately can’t seem to do anything right. While a small population used it then, the phrase “Pura vida” was used nationwide by 1970."

"Happiness, well-being, conformity and satisfaction is what “Pura vida” reflects; it identifies a Costa Rican wherever he or she may be. When you say, hear or see “Pura vida”, the facial expression of the person changes and a smile is drawn on his face. It is a very meaningful word for us “ticos” (Costa Ricans) because it reminds us of home and its beauty."

"Just as Dr. Delise Dickard expressed in her article The simple bliss of ‘pura vida‘, even a tourist can understand what “pura vida” means by spending some time in this small country in Central America."

"So, if you want to know what living a peaceful, simple, uncluttered life with a deep appreciation for nature, family and friends, just come to Costa Rica and experience it yourself! ¡PURA VIDA!"

Anna Marie Trester***,
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annamarietrester/

Author: Nuria Villalobos, I'm Costa Rican. I am a current professor of English as a Foreign Language at Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, and a former ISEP (International Student Exchange Program) student in the United States. I speak Portuguese and I am currently studying the Teaching of Spanish as a Second Language. I'm passionate about languages, cultures, photography and meeting people from different places.

source: http://pocketcultures.com/2010/01/26/costa-rica-is-%E2%80%9Cpura-vida%E2%80%9D/

So, there you have it! Google it, not a single word about the phrase bieng "nothing but a marketing campaign used by people like you to fool foreigners"

or "a marketing campaign devised by the CR government and tourist agencies with the goal of increasing tourism"

Have I drank the Kool-Aid, absolutely, guilty as charged!

ILuvCR and have a "Pura Vida" attitude/ outlook. You either have it , understand it, appreciate it or you don't.

I have it and if you don't I guess that your loss!

"Pura Vida!"

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Costa Rica is “pura vida”!

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