Feliz Navidad
everyday, Costa Rica
In Costa Rica people say Feliz Navidad, the standard Christmas greeting. On cards it often continues as Feliz Navidad y próspero año nuevo.
Meaning: Christmas greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Feliz Navidad | everyday, Costa Rica |
| Feliz Navidad y próspero año nuevo | formal, cards |
The greeting is used all through December, not only on 25 December. It works for family, coworkers and strangers.
When do people say it?
Costa Rican Christmas tables often include tamales, and many families set up a portal, the nativity scene, at home.
Did you know?
- Costa Ricans say pura vida as a greeting, a thank you and a general positive answer, and it is a national symbol phrase.
Examples in context
- ¡Feliz Navidad a todos!Merry Christmas everyone!
- Les deseo una Feliz Navidad.I wish you a Merry Christmas.
- Feliz Navidad y próspero año nuevo.Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.
Example conversation
On Christmas Eve in San José, Mariela arrives at her grandmother's house.
- Mariela¡Feliz Navidad, abuela!Merry Christmas, grandma!
- AbuelaFeliz Navidad, mi amor. Pasá, hay tamales.Merry Christmas, dear. Come in, there are tamales.
- MarielaQué rico, pura vida.Great, wonderful.
