The masquerade tradition in Costa Rica originated from communities that would come together wearing traditional costumes to celebrate. In 1996, October 31st was established as the National Masquerade Day. During parades, people dress up as characters like "la muerte" and "el diablo" that represent cultural elements or folk stories. The origins of Masquerade day come from town carnivals held to raise funds for the church, where people enjoyed masks dancing and chasing others while wearing so feared masks.

1. How the Tradition was Born
The masquerade tradition comes from the Colonial Cartago,
especially from people in communities that got together to
show traditional characters. In 1996, it was established
October 31st
as the National Masquerade Day.
During the parade, you can see characters such as “la muerte,
el diablo, la segua, and el padre sin cabeza” among others. All
of them represent cultural elements or stories that people have
shared in Costa Rica over time.
Masquerade day origins go back to the traditional “turnos” or
town carnivals where people organized activities to collect
money to raise funds for the town church expenses.
In the middle of “ventas, bombetas” and music, people
enjoyed the masks which danced, ran and chased young and
adults using their so feared “chilillos”.
Text adapted and translated from:
http://si.cultura.cr/component/sicultura/articulo/dia-de-la-
mascarada-tradicional-3383.html, visited on June 25th
2014 at 6 40
pm.