The wind is blowing; in the afternoons, the forest looks more beautiful than ever, shining in its splendor while the drizzle makes everything shine. In its windy season, Monteverde announces a time for gratitude and the start of a season dedicated to family and community.
Thanksgiving is not always celebrated in Costa Rica, and even in Monteverde this time of year is more one of quiet contemplation as we ready ourselves for the highest season.
But that doesn’t mean that the tradition of Thanksgiving and Monteverde aren’t close cousins. In fact, the spirit of gratitude and giving — one that many point back to that fateful holiday 400 years ago — is actually woven into every aspect of Monteverde’s life.
Pilgrims and Quakers
The 400th anniversary of the first Thanksgiving celebration is approaching. And the Pilgrims had to be filled with gratitude on those days of 1621.
After all, they'd arrived a year before with "no friends to welcome them, nor inns to entertaine or refresh their weatherbeaten bodies, no dwellings or much less townes to repaire too, to seeke for succoure," as their captain, William Bradford, put it. (1)
And I guess we all know what happened with the Wampanoags, who assisted them in surviving the severe winter.
On April 19th, 1951, the Quakers came to Monteverde. As an interesting parallel, the Costa Rican families that lived here welcomed them and helped develop the community.
This unique merge of cultures, histories, and ways of seeing life resulted in a harmonious living and a happy state of mind. We were all better off for coming together and sharing with each other.
And that spirit has persisted. In Monteverde, gratitude is a life attitude, and you see it all year round, everywhere.
And this year in particular, we had a lot to be grateful for.
Tourism is Back
For Monteverde (and all Costa Rica), November is when tourism starts again after the slow rainy months. In 2021, to see the visitors back in Monteverde — filling trails and restaurants, having buses and microbuses with smiling faces looking out — is all good news. There have been almost two years without tourists, and we can't feel anything but tremendous gratitude for everything coming back.
Monteverde is a County
This year we are also thankful for the recognition of Monteverde as a "cantón" (County) which will help provide structure to the planning and infrastructure of the area. These are all issues of urban development that Monteverde requires as a tourist destination.
With an understanding of sustainable development for the Monteverde population, recognizing the region as a county in the province of Puntarenas is a long-awaited achievement. It means that the region is an independent area with projects of its own.
And in an area with a population of visitors that multiplies tens of times the number of residents, the regulation is another blessing.
Costa Rica celebrates 73 years Without an Army
This is probably one of the most important dates in our history. On December 1st, Costa Rica celebrates 73 years of the abolition of the army.
In a brave gesture, the revolutionary leader of the 1948 Costa Rican civil war abolished the standing armed forces of Costa Rica forever, acknowledging that whatever funds were to be used in weapons, training, and salaries could be put into education, health, housing, and much more.
For the Monteverde Quakers, this extraordinary event is one of the main reasons they have come and made a life and community in Costa Rica.
Overall we are thankful because we have the privilege to live in Monteverde, a peaceful and happy place where community and sustainability are experiences lived and enjoyed daily.
That Quaker Joyful Influence
As you get closer to the Monteverde district, you can feel the Quakers' presence in all of the little details. The Quakers' joy and gratitude live clearly in the community, and their harmony with Costa Rica and the local population feels natural.
There is a sensation of harmony that you may feel as you walk on its many trails or as you buy a soda in any grocery store. The people here are joyful.
As you may read in our History of Monteverde, the Quakers' principles rest on justice, equality, simplicity, service, integrity, peace, community, and a view that the light of God is within each person.
These values reflect in Monteverde in this time of year more than ever, as gratitude is a state of mind that thrives in the people of Monteverde.
You see it as people smile and greet you when you are walking around. You'll find it in the children playing free. You will discover it every sunny afternoon when you see a community gathering to see the breathtaking sunsets that we are privileged enough to delight in.
And you will find that combination of joyful values in the quiet persistence of the conservation movement and the sustainable development that you can find everywhere.
So, What Is Thanksgiving in Monteverde?
Thanksgiving is a day to enjoy traditional cuisine spiced with a tropical touch, as the leading restaurants in Monteverde are offering special menus for the weekend.
Around the community, thanksgiving is usually enjoyed by families & friends in their own homes.
However, something even more active than Thanksgiving is a new tradition. Since 2012, the Monteverde Quaker community has supported an idea that contrasts dramatically with the Black Friday and Cyber Monday consumerism, Giving Tuesday.
Giving Tuesday
GivingTuesday is a global giving movement that unleashes the transformative power of radical generosity.
GivingTuesday was founded in 2012 with a simple concept: establishing a day that motivates people to do good. It has since evolved into a year-round global movement that motivates hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
It's a simple concept: whether it's making someone smile, assisting a neighbor or stranger, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those in need, every act of generosity matters, and everyone has something to contribute.
And in a community so used to supporting each other and after a couple of tough years, Giving Tuesday is the perfect conclusion to a harmonious Thanksgiving celebration.
The Spirit of Thanksgiving in Monteverde
In general, Monteverde embraces the spirit of Thanksgiving not just during the end of November, but throughout all of our daily life. The joy of the people speaks volumes when it comes to seeing the valuable things that matter, and being grateful.
In summary — in a place where the community is strong and family values include harmony with nature, integrity, and respect for human diversity, the everyday attitude is profound gratitude.
An inspiring way to go about life!
(1) Reference: N.a. "Bradford's 'Of Plymouth Plantation: 1620-1647'." Histarch.illinois.edu. 16 Feb. 2019. Web. 23 Nov. 2021. <http://www.histarch.illinois.edu/plymouth/bradford.html>
