15 de septiembre Show

Each year the kids from pre-K through 6th grade at The European School put on a show for Costa Rica’s Independence Day (the 15th of September). We have mentioned before that the school puts a heavy emphasis on art, music, etc. and this focus comes through in shows like these.
There are two classes in each grade (e.g. 5A and 5B). For a show like this, they pair up a class of older kids with a class of little ones (e.g. 6A will work with Pre-K-A) and each pairing works on sets, their skit, etc. The end result is absolutely adorable.
The event itself is kicked off in classic Costa Rican (particularly Heredia) fashion…a small band and bunch of dancing “gigantes” (the big puppet heads made nearby in Barva). After that we got to watch a show that captured various moments in Costa Rica’s 19th century history (Independence in 1821, the opening of the first factory, cleaning up the rivers around San Jose, the opening of the national theater in the 1890’s, etc.).
The Gavin kiddos were: (i) a dancing country gal (Lia); (ii) a campesino who helps clean up the rivers (Charlie); (iii) a trader (Jack); and (iv) a society lady attending a waltz to just after the opening of the National Theater.
As parents, it was AWESOME to watch. The kids may not now realize just how unique an opportunity that was but hopefully some day when they see these pictures they will look back and realize that it was pretty cool…!