Rosario de los Niños

On Saturday night, I went to the Rosario de los Niños at the home of Kattia, Mauricio and their children Aaron and Axel This religious/social event featured a electronic keyboard player who alternated between religious songs and leading the assembled group through fifty Hail Marys. Although it is the Rosary for children, the adults seemed far more engaged while los niños seemed somewhat more concerned about when they would be getting their ice-cream cones (a tradition of such a ceremony). Perhaps it has something to do with the connection between the wafer like texture of the cone and the communion host
Catholicism is the official National religion of the country; about 75% of Ticos identify themselves as Catholics with 44% saying they are active in the Church. As is the case with many aspects of day to day living here, Costa Ricans tend to avoid extremes. The food here is never too spicy, in fact it tends to be much blander than in other Central American countries. Public displays of emotion are rare and, from what I have been able to ascertain, the relationship amongst many with the Church tends to be primarily social and reserved for special events like observing the Sacraments (births, Baptisms, Confirmations. Communions etc).