The inhabitants of Guanacaste hold their traditions dearly and are known for their religious devotion, which is reflected in civic and religious festivals. They often carry images or statues of saints in processions through the streets during Holy Week; it's important to remember the connection between food and religious manifestations. These holy days are celebrated with corn-based dishes, which since pre-Hispanic times served as sustenance for the indigenous population and connected them to the land and life itself. Corn has acquired a new cultural and religious significance in this context.
During religious festivals, the typical dishes like traditional donuts and the delicious tanelas made at home are present; but along the streets, there are stalls where you can buy these delicacies, often enjoyed with a glass of rich chicheme or a pozol-based refresco, both made from Pujaua corn.
These stalls are small family-run businesses that have maintained their ancestral traditions. Due to unemployment, they sell their products in the streets to offer them to tourists throughout the year.
You don't have to wait for the festivals to enjoy them. Many households prepare these treats for afternoon snacks or even early mornings with a nice cup of coffee. Each home has its own variation, adding ingredients like ground Jamaica (hibiscus), custard, or sour milk. All of them are very tasty.
