In Costa Rica, Mother’s Day is celebrated every August 15, bringing families together and commemorating a tradition that dates back to the early 20th century. Its origins are linked to an initiative at a school in Heredia and the government’s decision to officially establish the celebration.

The Origins of Mother’s Day in Costa Rica

According to information from the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), the origins of Mother’s Day in Costa Rica date back to 1932. The initiative emerged at Escuela Nicolás Ulloa in Heredia, where the idea of establishing a special day to honor mothers was proposed.

The proposal received the support of the government of Cleto González Víquez, and on August 10, 1932, Law No. 79 was passed, officially designating August 15 as Mother’s Day in Costa Rica. The law allowed schools, colleges, nursing homes, and charitable institutions to dedicate this day to honoring mothers.

The celebration, however, had precedents. According to the MEP’s historical account, the so-called “Mother’s Day” had been celebrated in October 1923, while “Women’s Day” took place in January 1927. These initiatives preceded the official establishment of Mother’s Day in 1932.

Evangelina Solís Salvatierra, the Teacher Behind a Celebration

Evangelina Solís Salvatierra, a teacher from Heredia and advocate for important social causes, is remembered as one of the figures associated with the origins of Mother’s Day in Costa Rica. She completed her primary education in Heredia and later attended high school at the Colegio Superior de Señoritas. In 1905, she entered the teaching profession and worked at various schools until she became the first principal of the Nicolás Ulloa School, where she spearheaded initiatives to benefit her students.

Her commitment to the community extended well beyond the classroom. Evangelina Solís Salvatierra co-founded the Red Cross in Heredia and served as its treasurer. She also developed various initiatives to raise funds for education, including organizing activities around Plaza de Flores and film screenings at the school. She retired in 1940 but continued participating in various social initiatives until her death on November 17, 1974. In recognition of her work, the Municipality of Heredia named her an Honorary Daughter of Heredia and placed her photograph in the Municipal Council Chamber.

Why Does Costa Rica Celebrate Mother’s Day on August 15?

The date chosen by Costa Rica coincides with a celebration of particular importance in the Catholic tradition: the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which is also commemorated on August 15.

Evangelina Solís Salvatierra’s initiative originally called for celebrating mothers on July 14, but the official date that was ultimately established was August 15. This date coincided with the Catholic celebration of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, a feast day that also falls on that day.

This coincidence has given the date a particular significance for many Costa Rican families. For some, the day is not only an opportunity to celebrate mothers but also a time to remember those who have passed away. For this reason, some families take the opportunity on August 15 to visit cemeteries and bring flowers to their mothers, grandmothers, or other relatives who have passed on.

Since its official establishment, Mother’s Day has remained one of the most significant dates on the Costa Rican calendar. Every August 15, families across the country see this tradition as an opportunity to celebrate, express gratitude, and honor those who have served as mothers.

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