A few weeks ago at the Auto Mercado in Jaco, it was very evident that even if Thanksgiving is not a Costa Rican holiday, is sure is one of the most celebrated American holidays in Costa Rica.
Signs were up for the holiday and products were already being displayed. Frozen turkeys, stuffing mix (including popular brands like Stove Top), salad fixing, sweet potatoes, green bean casseroles, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce as well as apple, pecan, mince, pumpkin pie and all of the other gastronomical goodies.
And there is something about Costa Rica potatoes (which are a bit sweeter) that makes unreal mash potatoes!
Unfortunately, turkeys are either imported frozen from the U.S. or purchased locally from Pipasa (a meat and poultry company) and is not cheap for a fresh bird: at least $3.50 per pound. So a 20lb bird could cost you around $70USD, compared to one in the US, where specials for birds can be as low as $7USD for a 13lb turkey.
Most will go ahead and buy frozen. PriceSmart and Auto Mercando have 15-18lbs turkeys for over $40. Auto Mercado is probably the most Americanize superstore in all of Costa Rica and imports many American goods along with Thanksgiving products, including stuffing mix, canned pumpkin, frozen pie crusts, canned onion rings and cranberries.
Local and Spanish newspapers had ads for the gorging dinners at various casinos, hotels, restaurants and bars. Dinners varied again for a buffet (like what Marriot Hotels offers, complete with a separate room for desserts) to full on sit down six-8 course meals. Some will reserve a restaurant that has a view over a valley or ocean, where dinning is highlighted by the sounds of crashing waves or radiant city lights or spectacular sunsets. Most places will be serving dinner between 5-10 pm, while others will begin serving their Thanksgiving dishes as early as 11 am. Many of the high end establishments are sold out days before, so reservations are a must.
Dinners also vary in prices, any where from $15 to $80 USD. Hotels do have specials – get a room for that night and they will add a Thanksgiving dinner.
However, many expats preferred the traditional feast by inviting friends, family, and relatives over. The cooked bird is laid out over palm leaves, ready for the carver. Many will do a potluck where it becomes a smorgasbord of assorted delights that will make you crave for the anti-acid a few hours later.
Gated communities that have a large number of expats will host a Thanksgiving potluck in the recreations facilities. Each person or family brings a dish big enough to feed several people. Bartenders are provided with your favorite refreshment for a reasonable price.
It’s a day with a tropical twist – no coats, gloves, and walking up to the house under the sound of crunching snow. Flip-flops, shorts, and tropical attire surrounds fresh fruits, ice cold Imperials filtered with that smell of roasting turkey has become the standard Costa Rican Thanksgiving.
Pura Vida and Bon Appetit!
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