Supporting Local BriBri Communities Who Live In Harmony With Planet Earth
Costa Rica has become known worldwide as a champion of ecotourism and environmental sustainability, particularly over the last few decades. If you didn’t know any better, you might think that push was a new effort. But the Pura Vida way of life, and being a good steward to Mother Earth, is baked right into the very heart of the Costa Rican people.
All the proof that’s needed is in the indigenous people who have called these unspoiled jungles their home for generations. Tribes like the Bribri have a deep respect for nature, viewing it as a source of both life and spirituality. Their pride in the environment is evident everywhere. The Bribri are believed to be one of the oldest indigenous groups in Costa Rica. Their known history spans over 3,000 years!
Who Are The Bribri People?
With a name that translates to “valiant, brave, or courageous” the indigenous Bribri people of Costa Rica are about 35,000 strong throughout the country, with anywhere from 7,000 -12,000 people residing in the Talamanca mountain range, which runs along the border of Panama. Some of the tribe live on the Panama side, so those kids cross the border to the Costa Rica side each day for school.
Where can you find the BriBri Indigenous in Costa Rica?
The Bribri have a matriarchal social structure. Bribri women hold significant power and authority. That alone shows the Bribri are already worlds away from what most modern cultures are familiar with. Here, women are the main caretakers of the family and play a vital role in decision-making processes. The Bribri people trace their ancestry through the maternal line. Property is inherited by daughters from mothers.
BriBri Woman Explains the Importance of all the
Medicinal Plants Found in the Talamancas
One of the unique features of Bribri culture is their traditional medicine practices, which include the use of medicinal plants and herbs. Bribri believe that all plants and animals have spirits that must be respected and protected. They also have a deep understanding of the medicinal properties of plants and are skilled at using them to treat a wide range of illnesses and ailments. The Bribri are totally reliant on themselves and produce their own food.
The Bribri people are known for their beautiful handicrafts, including baskets, woven bags, and pottery. These, along with cacao, are an important part of their small (but sufficient) economy.
BriBri Handicrafts Straight From Nature
The Intangible Cultural Heritage Of Cacao
The Bribri people’s traditional knowledge of cacao, and their cultivation and processing practices, are recognized by the United Nations as an example of “intangible cultural heritage.”
Long revered as a sacred plant with spiritual and medicinal properties, cacao has been an integral part of the culture for centuries, and with each new generation the history grows. Cacao is utilized in various rituals and ceremonies. Cacao is an important part of birth, marriage, and death ceremonies. The Cacao plant is also employed for healing purposes and as a tool for communication with the spirit world.
Cacao: Part of the Bribri Intangible Cultural Heritage in Costa Rica
A Complex Web Of Relationships
The Bribri people are deeply rooted in their spiritual beliefs and cultural practices. Central to their cosmovision, or worldview, is a strong belief in the natural world as a complex web of relationships where everything is connected and interdependent. This view is reflected in their daily practices, such as emphasis on sustainable agriculture and respectful treatment of the environment.
Another important aspect of the Bribri is their belief in a spiritual realm which is inhabited by ancestors, spirits, and deities. Through rituals and ceremonies honoring them, the Bribri aim for a harmonious relationship with these spiritual beings.
They also have a strong connection to their ancestral lands. The Bribri believe that the spirits of their ancestors continue to exist in the natural world, protecting and guiding the living. So it makes sense that they have a deep respect for the land and work to maintain a sustainable relationship with it.
In addition to their spiritual beliefs, the Bribri also have a strong sense of community and collective identity. They prioritize the well-being of the group over the individual and have developed a system of governance that is based on consensus and collaboration.
The BriBri Have a Strong Spiritual Tie with the Nature & the Cosmos
Fun Options For Sustainable Tourism In Costa Rica
While continuing to maintain their traditions and way of life, the indigenous Bribri people of Costa Rica have become a unique and important part of the culture. The Bribri have a complex and multifaceted worldview that emphasizes interconnectedness, spiritual beliefs, and the value of community and collective identity. It’s easy to see that the Bribri people really are at the root of Costa Rican culture as we know it today. They are Pura Vida to their very core.
BriBri Indigenous Village near Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Do your holiday plans take you near Puerto Viejo on the Carribbean side of Costa Rica? If so, there are a few wonderful tours you can take to help you get in touch with the Bribri culture and feel good about how you spend your vacation time (and money).
A meaningful cultural exchange is waiting for you in Puerto Viejo, and it’s perfect for the whole family to enjoy! Check out our BriBri Indigenous Reserve, Chocolate Tour and Waterfall Swim, an unforgettable glimpse into the daily life and cultural traditions of the local people. Discover how they live, what they eat, and a whole lot more on this fun and interesting day tour.
Locals and Tourists Alike Love to Visit the Dos Aguas Waterfalls
For something a little more wild, check out the Chocolate Museum and Jaguar Rescue Center tour. You’ll get to experience the chocolate-making process from start to delicious finish. Here you can learn a little more about how important this process is to the Bribri people and the Talamanca regional economy. Afterward, visit a rehabilitation center for injured wildlife from all over Costa Rica.
Volunteers Help Rahabilitate Injured Animals at the
Jaguar Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo
If the ideal thing for your crew sounds like all of the above, you’re in luck, because the Animal Rescue, Chocolate & Waterfalls tour has it all! Learn about the chocolate making process, and sample some of the proceeds. Then work it off on a nice little hike followed by a refreshing cool water rinse in a waterfall. Next up, furry babies! Snuggle monkeys and more on a rescue center tour.
Cruise Passengers Visiting Puerto Limon are in
for a Real Treat at the Chocolate Museum
Sustainable Tourism for Cruise Passengers in Costa Rica
And for those coming to Puerto Limon on a cruise ship, the Chocolate Lovers Shore Excursion is the perfect chance to experience all the highlights and still get back to the ship before sailing time.
The indigenous Bribri people have been taking care of this planet long before it was fashionable. If you have the opportunity, they’re worth getting to know. Not only does it make sense to incorporate some love for Mother Earth into your Costa Rica vacation plans, it makes even more sense to learn about (and from) the indigenous people who have called this area home for thousands of years. Don’t miss your chance to make a real cultural connection, and feel good about booking excursions that benefit local indigenous groups too.
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