The International Day of Women, observed globally on March 8, is a day set aside to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women across cultures, economic backgrounds, and political landscapes. It is a day to honor the contributions of women to society, their resilience, and the many roles they play in shaping families, communities, and nations. In Las Pilas de Alajuela, Costa Rica, this important day took on a special local significance as the community came together to celebrate the remarkable lives of Lucia Murillo, age 85, and her daughter, Xinia Murillo, age 50.
This celebration highlighted not only the individual achievements of Lucia and Xinia but also served as a reflection of Costa Rica’s respect for family, tradition, and the pioneering spirit of women in rural areas. Their story is an inspiring example of how determination, hard work, and commitment can shape generations, even under challenging conditions.
Lucia Murillo: A Life of Dedication and Family
Lucia Murillo’s life is a testament to endurance, strength, and the central role women play in sustaining families. Born and raised in northern Costa Rica, she spent her life on a remote farm near Cabanga, a small agricultural town. There, she gave birth to **eleven children—six boys and five girls—**in a modest three-room wooden cabin built by Xinia’s father.
Raising a large family in a rural setting demanded incredible resilience. The farm was only accessible via a dirt gravel road, which became nearly impassable during the heavy tropical rains. Crossing the Bigaces River during these rainy seasons was only possible on horseback. Lucia’s dedication to her family was unwavering, ensuring that each child had the opportunity to grow into a productive adult despite the limitations of rural life.
All eleven children have grown into accomplished adults, contributing meaningfully to their communities in various ways. Their professions include carpenters, chefs, homemakers, mothers, farmers, and hospitality and tourism managers. The accomplishments of Lucia’s children reflect the values of hard work, perseverance, and commitment to family instilled by their mother.
A Glimpse into Rural Life in Cabanga
The region of Cabanga is characterized by a tropical climate with consistent warm rains throughout the year. Agriculture is central to the local economy, and the Murillo family farm serves as an example of traditional rural farming practices in Costa Rica.
Xinia’s father, assisted by his children, managed cattle farming, as well as cultivation of corn, beans, yucca, coffee, and fresh vegetables. The farming methods were traditional and sustainable: organic practices were employed, with dried cattle manure serving as the only fertilizer, and plowing done by hand or with a horse-drawn two-blade plow. This method of farming required constant physical labor and meticulous care, illustrating the demanding nature of rural life in Costa Rica.
Living just fifteen miles from the base of Arenal Volcano, the family also benefited from natural geothermal resources. The hot mineral springs in the area provided both a source of warmth and mineral-rich water for agriculture, a unique feature of rural life in this volcanic region.
Education and Early Responsibilities
Education in rural Costa Rica historically presented challenges due to distance and resources. Lucia and her husband ensured that their children attended school every day, walking one mile to a one-room schoolhouse. Here, the children learned the fundamentals: reading, writing, and arithmetic.
However, by grade six, most children dropped out to help on the farm—a common practice in rural areas. This early exposure to work, responsibility, and agricultural management instilled essential life skills that later translated into resilience, self-reliance, and community awareness. It also demonstrated the critical role women like Lucia played in balancing the demands of family, farm work, and education, often acting as the glue that held the household together.
Xinia Murillo: Continuing the Legacy
Xinia Murillo, Lucia’s fifty-year-old daughter, has taken her mother’s values and adapted them for the modern era. Xinia has opened her home as a Bed and Breakfast, offering tourists a chance to experience authentic Costa Rican rural life. Located just twelve minutes from San Jose International Airport, Xinia’s home provides a convenient yet immersive cultural experience for visitors seeking more than typical tourist attractions.
Guests to Xinia’s homestay can expect:
- Traditional Costa Rican meals, prepared using local ingredients.
- Opportunities to learn about rural agricultural practices.
- Insight into the family-centered lifestyle and customs of northern Costa Rica.
- A chance to enjoy the breathtaking hillside views overlooking Alajuela.
By combining hospitality with cultural education, Xinia has created a space where visitors can truly understand the daily life of a rural Costa Rican family, learning first-hand what it takes to maintain a farm, raise children, and preserve cultural traditions.
Celebrating Women’s Achievements
The International Day of Women celebration in Las Pilas de Alajuela emphasized the importance of recognizing women’s contributions at both familial and community levels. Lucia and Xinia exemplify two generations of women who have:
- Contributed to the local economy through farming and hospitality.
- Raised families with dedication in challenging environments.
- Preserved cultural heritage, including traditional recipes, agricultural methods, and community practices.
- Opened their home to share experiences with others, including international visitors.
This celebration also highlighted the broader societal recognition of women’s roles, showing that achievements are not limited to urban centers or high-profile professions but include everyday acts of dedication, care, and perseverance that sustain families and communities.
Cultural and Environmental Significance
The Murillo family’s story also underscores the cultural and environmental significance of rural life in Costa Rica. Visitors to rural areas can witness firsthand the interconnection between community, family, and environment. Sustainable farming practices, reliance on natural resources, and respect for the land are all part of daily life.
By experiencing this way of life, tourists gain a deeper appreciation for Costa Rica’s commitment to environmental preservation, which is evident not only in its national parks and protected areas but also in how rural families cultivate crops, raise livestock, and live in harmony with nature.
Tourism with a Cultural Twist
Rural tourism, as exemplified by Xinia’s homestay, offers a unique cultural immersion. Visitors can:
- Participate in farm activities, such as harvesting vegetables or tending to animals.
- Enjoy home-cooked meals that reflect local culinary traditions.
- Observe or engage in community events, like celebrations and local markets.
- Learn traditional crafts, cooking techniques, and farming methods.
This form of tourism allows guests to go beyond conventional sightseeing, providing a genuine, hands-on experience that fosters appreciation for Costa Rica’s history, culture, and people.
Conclusion
The celebration of the International Day of Women in Las Pilas de Alajuela was not only a tribute to women’s achievements but also a recognition of the enduring legacy of rural Costa Rican families. Lucia Murillo, with her 85 years of life experience, and her daughter Xinia, a modern entrepreneur and cultural ambassador, exemplify strength, resilience, and dedication.
Their story is a reminder that women’s contributions are multifaceted, encompassing family, community, culture, and economy. In Costa Rica, where rural life is closely tied to the land, agriculture, and tradition, women like Lucia and Xinia play an essential role in preserving heritage while embracing modern opportunities.
Visitors to Costa Rica, by engaging in rural tourism and cultural homestays, can celebrate these women’s achievements first-hand, experiencing the authenticity, beauty, and warmth of Costa Rican life. The Murillo family stands as a shining example of the impact women have on society, demonstrating that strength, compassion, and dedication transcend age, geography, and circumstance.
Costa Rica’s International Day of Women celebrations in Las Pilas de Alajuela remind us that every woman’s story—whether in a bustling city or a remote farm—is worthy of recognition and celebration. From the mountains near Arenal Volcano to the hillsides overlooking Alajuela, the legacy of women continues to inspire, nurture, and enrich the nation.