Page 5 - SOUTH GUANACASTE TOURIST GUIDE

Introduction
The origins of the province go back the indigenous people, who associated the land with its majestic elephant-ear trees, known more commonly as guanacaste trees. The name of the land thus comes from the tree that the indigenous peoples called Ka-Nacaztlán: its dense, fan-like foliage, the rounded shape of its canopy, and bearing dark, dry seed pods that look like ears – which is why common names for the species include monkey-ear tree and the elephant-ear tree.
The species, also called Enterolobium cyclocarpum, remains a common sight in the province, where it is one of the most precious symbols of the locals.
Manifestations of popular culture abound in the region, with traditions that mix indigenous and Spanish cultures, as well as an incredibly diverse mosaic of ecosystems that are well worth exploring. The Chorotega region offers a wide variety of natural environments, with common sights including primary forests, waterfalls, volcanoes, beaches, rivers and exuberant flora and fauna.
Places of cultural interest
The cultural activities and expressions of the region are particular to Guanacaste, including the lowlands or bajura. These include the symbolism of the cowboy of the savannahs, the sabanero, with traditions such as bull riding. The sabanero is also a key figure of activities around the Cristo Negro de Esquipulas in Santa Cruz and the celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe accompanied by the well- known Dance of the Yegüita, in Nicoya, a mixture of indigenous and Catholic traditions.
Guanacaste Sur is known for its music, with local traditions including the marimba, guitar, quijongo and folk dances. Its customs include special prayers, the “Guanacaste shout”, festivals, processions, semi- improvised poems such as bombas and retahílas. Local crafts include a pottery tradition that is over 5000 years old, as well as contemporary crafts and masquerades. The community of Guaitil is famous for its artisans, who meticulously work with ceramics that give a new life to the pre-Columbian motifs of the Chorotega people.
These workers have become true virtuosos of their craft, with pieces that have become highly valued.
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