Pura Vida:
What it’s all about!
Costa Rica has become widely known as one of the happiest countries in the world, and for good reason! Some may attribute this to its stunning beaches, abundant vegetation, and friendly natives, or it may be because its national motto radiates joy and gratitude.
Pura Vida, a Spanish phrase, can be found everywhere you look from the moment you land in Costa Rica – from the t-shirts and keychains in souvenir shops to signage outside of local restaurants. You may also hear it when the locals converse with one another. But what does it mean exactly? And why has it become part of Costa Rica’s national identity?
The Definition Is In The Eye Of The Beholder
In English, Pura Vida directly translates to “pure life.” Naturally, native English speakers would assume that this refers to living a clean, untainted life without the influence of anything negative, dirty or evil. Though the overall theme is there, this isn’t necessarily the most accurate definition. Pura Vida is more of a perspective or way of life, focusing on the simple things that make life worth living. But, the truth is, there isn’t a single, clear-cut definition. Pura Vida can mean different things to different people, and perhaps that’s what makes it so beautiful.
A Problem-Free Philosophy!
Amongst the Ticos, you’ll hear the phrase used in various contexts. It is often used in place of thank you, or you’re welcome, or as a way of saying “hello” or “goodbye.” It can also be a response to the question “How are you,” “It’s okay,” or another way of shrugging your shoulders, expressing something similar to “Oh well.” If you’ve ever seen The Lion King, it can be used similarly to “Hakuna Matata” in that it means “no worries for the rest of your days”!
Where It Began
It’s been said that the saying originated from the 1956 Mexican film of the same name. The movie follows a comedian played by Antonio Espino who maintains a positive attitude despite all the challenges he seems to face. In the film, the phrase “Pura Vida” is said a total of 13 times!
Finding Pura Vida in my Vida
Spending as much time as I do in Costa Rica, I’ve found so many ways to incorporate the culture and lifestyle into my own life, both in CR and back at home in Toronto. The biggest thing Pura Vida has taught me is to enjoy a slow life. In North America, everything feels so rushed. Everyone is always on the go and I often feel like I don’t get a chance to catch my breath. Now, I find myself bringing back some of that Tico mindset of slowing down enough to appreciate the small things instead of letting life pass me by. Here are some examples of where I find or incorporate Pura Vida:
Walking down the beach at 7 am with no one but me and my dog Minnie
Watching the sunset with my husband Bruno
Often, when I am waiting for something that seems to be taking a long time, like a food order, my instinct is to get frustrated and impatient. Instead, I repeat the phrase “pura vida” to myself, reminding me to be patient, that everything is okay and to enjoy life for what it is
Saturday nights watching the Surf Competition, with a couple of drinks in me, enjoying the surfers and the sunset and wishing I could stay right in that moment forever
Where do you find Pura Vida in your life?
xx katie
