Mother's Day in Costa Rica

Last week we were able to experience Mother's Day here in Costa Rica. August 15 is always Mother's Day here, it doesn't matter what day it falls on. We were invited by our neighbors across the street to have lunch and spend the afternoon with them. The lady that lives across the street has 6 adult children and most of them live close by here in Potrero. She and her husband have been having a new home built next door to the house they are currently in. We were able to enjoy lunch with her in her new home! This was a special time for Dave and I because we have been reaching out to this family since we have been here in Costa Rica and this is the first time they invited us to be a part of a family event with them.

I would like to share with you a little of our experience having lunch with them. We knew that they had been raising a pig for a special occasion and found out that it would be for Mother's Day. We enjoyed a huge lunch of two different types of pork, rice, salad, potato salad (provided by yours truly) and a tradional drink made from rice, milk and sugar. I have learned that many times I do not really want to ask about what I am eating. To me it is just better not to ask because whether I know what it is or not, I know I will need to eat what is provided for me so as not to offend our guests. So everyone of us enjoyed our lunch without any question of what we were having. Sometime later, after our lunch had already been consumed, I find out that we were eating pig tongue! If I had known this little bit of information before I sat down to eat, I am afraid I would have had trouble getting it down! So now you can see why motto is...if I don't need to know...I will not ask! I have to say though, that the way it was prepared and the spices used, it did not taste all that bad. Of course, it tasted much better to me BEFORE I knew it was pig tongue! LOL!

After lunch, there was a surprise for our neighbor. Her children had hired a Mariachi band to come to her new home and play for her. She had no idea about this until they walked in the door and began singing to her. It was so cute to see her come in the house from out back and dance her way through the kitchen as the band played and sang. The band performed for about 3 hours. It was a great experience to be a part of.

Later that evening there was a competition to see who would be crowned Queen Mother of Potrero. The votes were based on donations given to the local Catholic church in the name of the mother you want to honor. The winner was our neighbor, Casimira. She was crowned Queen and was able to share a special dance with one of her sons. We have noticed that Mother's Day here is a huge event and it was a blessing for us to be able to experience it here in Costa Rica.