In my previous blogs I’ve covered countries such as Germany, Japan, Indonesia, France and Italy. This time I want to write about the music in Costa Rica, and the songs that remind me of the country.
This year we’re going back to Costa Rica with professors Geordie Armstrong and Sally Saenger in Summer 2024.
This program will contain classes such as GEOG 105 Economic Geography, PE 137 Beginning Surfing, PE 146 Stretching and Relaxation etc., and keeping these classes in mind, I’ve compiled a list of relaxing and beautiful music for your next travel trip.
Let's get started with the list!
Costa Rica:
Costa Rica is populated with traditional folk music - considering that fact, unique instruments such as the marimba and ocarina are used often.
Today the ocarina is often replaced by international instruments instead, but that doesn’t take away from the beauty of it.
The ocarina’s beauty is indescribable, and as a child growing up, the first time I recognized the beauty was in “Saria’s Song” from “Ocarina of Time”. It contains some of the most beautiful melodies I’ve ever heard.
Costa Rica has been also on the centerfold for international music such as for bands like Aerosmith, Anthrax, Pearl Jam, Green Day etc.
When Iron Maiden performed in the “Somewhere Back In Time World Tour” in 2008, the concert was the largest concert in Costa Rica. With that stop Costa Rica has become a popular destination for popular metal bands such as Metallica, Megadeth, Black Sabbath, Slayer etc.
Therefore, I want to recommend the classic “Enter Sandman” by Metallica - their most mainstream song.
The last song I want to write about is a cute song called “La Fiesta” by Los Abejorros from 1982. “Chiqui Chiqui” has established itself to be one of the most popular genres among Costa Ricans, and it’s not hard to see why.
Songs such as “La Fiesta” or “Menealo” by Marfil immediately throw me into such a good mood.
Check out the full playlist here!: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3f1xH0Qb3SEdtYHUcEk6jX?si=8238b27703224ab8&pt=b7d75148c1e6ab5f16336c1f90f4f004
The next time you’re on the plane for your study abroad trip this playlist will accommodate you for the specific country to travel to. (Disclaimer: There will be songs that are associated with a particular country, but are not strictly in their language.)