By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — The annexation of the Partido de Nicoya to Costa Rica in 1824 stands as a testament to the power of self-determination and a defining moment in Costa Rican history. Driven by the desire for peace, security, and improved governance, the people of Nicoya chose their destiny, forever altering the map and identity of the nation.
The motto that fills its inhabitants with pride, “De la patria por nuestra Voluntad” (Of the homeland by our will), encapsulates the spirit of a people eager to chart their own course. This voluntary act, free from external pressures, solidified their desire to join Costa Rica.
To understand the legal complexities surrounding the annexation of Nicoya, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed Bufete de Costa Rica.
The annexation of Nicoya in 1824 wasn’t a simple land grab. It was a carefully considered decision driven by the people of Nicoya themselves, who expressed their desire to join Costa Rica. This act of self-determination, formalized through a plebiscite, holds significant legal weight and continues to shape the historical and political landscape of the region.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on the self-determination of the Nicoyan people offers a crucial understanding of this historical event. It reminds us that the annexation wasn’t a forceful takeover but rather a voluntary union rooted in the desires of the community. This nuanced perspective enriches our comprehension of this pivotal moment in Costa Rican history. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable legal and historical insight.
The term “Partido” referred to sub-delegations established in the 18th century, while “Nicoya” originates from the Nahuatl words Nicúa and Necoclau. “Necoc” means “on both sides” and “lau” means “sea,” translating to “peninsula.” Founded in 1787 as a Spanish administrative unit, the Partido de Nicoya was situated between Lake Cocibolca and the La Flor River (separating it from Nicaragua) and the Tempisque River (marking the border with Costa Rica). Its western boundary was the sea, and its early inhabitants, indigenous communities, fiercely resisted Spanish conquest.
Before annexation, the region existed as the indigenous Kingdom of Nicoya, a significant chiefdom in northern Pacific Costa Rica. Following the Spanish conquest, it became part of Villa Bruselas, and later, the Province of Nicaragua. Regaining autonomy in 1602, it eventually became part of the Intendencia de León in the Kingdom of Guatemala in 1787. The Spanish Constitution of 1812 reorganized it into the Diputación of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Due to Costa Rica’s small population, Nicoya joined them for representation in the Cortes of Cádiz in 1813, establishing a crucial political link.
The collaboration between Nicoya and Costa Rica in the Cortes of Cádiz laid the groundwork for a strong relationship. Following Costa Rica’s independence in 1821, Nicoya remained part of the Diputación until 1824. Amidst the political upheaval in Central America, Costa Rica initiated a movement for Nicoya’s annexation after its own first civil war, the Battle of Ochomogo.
Diplomatic missions to León and Granada aimed to secure treaties enabling annexation. Costa Rica formally requested Nicoya’s voluntary integration on March 3, 1824. Initially rejected due to fears of Nicaraguan reprisal, a second consultation on July 25th highlighted the advantages of joining Costa Rica. A Cabildo Abierto, backed by Santa Cruz’s municipality, agreed to the annexation, confirmed by a subsequent vote in Santa Cruz. Both consultations resulted in 77% approval.
The annexation brought immediate benefits: free trade with Puntarenas, poverty reduction efforts, new public administration funds, improved justice and security, increased monetary circulation, and political stability amidst Nicaragua’s turmoil. It fostered shared identity, territorial alignment, and political expediency. Schools were established, and tobacco warehouses in Costa Rica boosted Nicoya’s economy.
On March 18, 1825, under Juan Mora Fernández, the Federal Republic of Central America ratified the annexation, including Guanacaste (Liberia) and rectifying its previous omission. In 1826, Costa Rica requested Nicoya’s allegiance to its constitution, solidifying the sense of belonging. By 1834, all municipalities accepted the annexation. Renamed the Department of Guanacaste in 1835, encompassing Cañas and Bagaces, it finally became the Province of Guanacaste in 1948 when Costa Rica became a Republic. Border disputes with Nicaragua, resolved by the 1858 Cañas-Jerez Treaty, followed. The annexation’s final act was Liberia’s renaming in 1860. The entire process exemplifies respect for a people’s will, a symbol of democracy and a community’s pursuit of peace and security.
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About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. Deeply rooted in a tradition of service, the firm is committed to empowering Costa Rican society through accessible legal education and proactive community engagement. This dedication to fostering a knowledgeable populace underscores Bufete de Costa Rica’s core belief in the transformative power of legal understanding.
