Alajuela Province

Culture and people

Alajuela takes a central place in Costa Ricas literary tradition, evidenced by the numerous authors raised in the country and commitment to public libraries. There are 14 public libraries Alajuela, more than any other province in the country. The University of Costa Rica maintains childrens literature outreach centers primarily in Alajuela, in Grecia, San Ramon, Naranjo, Palmares and Zarcero. The municipality of Alajuela frequent holds storytelling contests and festivals, as well.

Because of its rich literary tradition, San Ramon is often called "la tierra de las poetas" ("land of poets"). Many poets and authors were born in the San Ramon area, including Jose Joaquin Salas Perez, Carlomagno Araya, Ema Gamboa, and Feliz Angel Salas. San Ramons favorite son is often listed as Lisimaco Chavarria. Born in 1878, Chavarrias romantic and naturalist poetry brought him into correspondence with many well-known Latin American authors, such as Ruben Dario, Jose Enrique Rodo and Joaquin Garcia Monge. Born in 1915, author and naturalist illustrator Rafael Lucas Rodriguez was a pioneering biologist in the country. He wrote numerous articles and books, as well as illustrative tracts of Costa Rican flora. Author Fernando Contreras Castro, also born and raised in San Ramon, is an internationally recognized author writing in what is described as the "urban generation" style. Contreras teaches literature at the University of Costa Rica.

Social realist Fabian Dobles grew up in Atenas. Dobles work concentrates on the plight of the poor in Costa Rica. Dobles, a member of the Popular Vanguard Party, later spent time in prison for his political beliefs. Author Carlos Luis Fallas was born and educated in Alajuela. Fallas most well-known work, "Mamita Yunai," was based on his time working on a banana plantation. Historian and journalist Angela Ulibarri lives in Ciudad Quesada. Contemporary playwright Jorge Arroyo also grew up in Alajuela. His work has been staged in half-a-dozen countries.