The Annexation of the Nicoya Territory to Costa Rica

The Annexation of the Nicoya Territory is an historical event that occurred on July 25, 1824 and refers to the incorporation of Nicoya, Santa Cruz and eventually Liberia into the Republic of Costa Rica.

The Nicoya Territory was originally bordered by the La Flor River and Lake Nicaragua in the northwest, and the Gulf of Nicoya and the Tempisque River in the south.

The Nicoya Territory enjoyed great political autonomy; however the territory was still under the control of the Captaincy General of Guatemala.

Between 1522 and 1820 under the influence of the Spanish Empire, the region suffered geo-political changes as a result of the impact of colonization.

On December 13, 1820, Spain divided the area into seven parts:  Segovia, El Realejo, León, Granada, Nicaragua (Rivas), Nicoya and Costa Rica.

Due to their close proximity to Costa Rica, specifically with the populations of Puntarenas, Esparza, Bagaces and Las Cañas, the Nicoya Territory established strong commercial relationships and a greater identification with Costa Rica and its way of life.

The City Councils of Nicoya and Santa Cruz officially decided to annex to the Republic of Costa Rica on July 25, 1824.  This decision of annexation was made because of the better political stability in Costa Rica, and annexation was achieved under their own will without any military pressure.  On May 18, 1825, the population of Guanacaste Village (today’s Liberia) became part of Costa Rica under a law issued by the Congress of the Federal Republic of Central America.

In 1838, the City Councils of Santa Cruz, Nicoya and Guanacaste Village ratified their decision to remain part of Costa Rica.  On December 7, 1848, the Province of Guanacaste was created with the cantons of Guanacaste, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, Bagaces and Las Cañas.  Today the Province of Guanacaste has 11 cantons: Liberia, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, Bagaces, Carrillo, Cañas, Abangares, Tilarán, Nandayure, La Cruz and Hojancha.

“De la Patria por nuestra voluntad” (of the fatherland by our will) is the phrase that expresses the will to remain democratically attached to Costa Rica.

Today Guanacaste is rich with culture, traditions, progress, nature and beautiful friendly people.