Children go house to house asking for lodging, just as Mary and Joseph did thousands of years ago in Bethlehem. Depictions of the Nativity Scene are very popular. While the Christmas season is a time for partying, the year's end is very solemn. The people believe that if God sees them in church on the first day of the year, he will be angry if they are absent any other times. Ticos believe white to be superior and treat minorities with disrespect.
Men are superior and many women are abused by their husbands.
Costa Rican food is not spicy hot, but rather tasty, centered around beans, chicken, beef, rice, and tropical fruits. Tamales are a main food made of a meat, rice, and raisin filling in cornmeal, steamed in banana leaves. Coffee is the major beverage. The people of Costa Rica are big spenders and like to squander their money on consumer gadgets. Ticos like to eat, drink, and dress well.