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PURA VIDA! The Fascinating Story of Costa Rica’s Ethos

PURA VIDA! The Fascinating Story of Costa Rica’s Ethos

If you’ve ever wandered through Costa Rica’s lush rainforests, surfed its Pacific swells, or simply chatted with a local barista, chances are you’ve heard the phrase PURA VIDA. It’s printed on t-shirts, echoed in greetings, and woven into everyday life. But this phrase is not just a slogan—it’s the beating💓 of Costa Rican culture.

Heather & Ben enjoying the PURA VIDA lifestyle.
Heather & Ben enjoying the PURA VIDA lifestyle.

And it is the one thing that tourists remember after they make their way back to their frozen homelands. To them, PURA VIDA is the soul of Costa Rica. And they miss it dearly once they depart the Costa Rican shores.

🌿 What Does Pura Vida Mean?

Literally translated, PURA VIDA means “Pure Life.” But you’ll discover it’s far more than a dictionary definition. Depending on the context, it can mean a great many things, applicable to pretty much every situation you can imagine! And to every situation it brings a touch of love, good vibes, acceptance and resolution.

Here’s how you might hear it in action:

  • Greeting: “¡Pura vida! ÂżTodo bien?” (“Hey! Everything good?”)
  • Response to ‘How are you?’: “Pura vida.” (“I’m great.”)
  • Gratitude: “Gracias por el cafĂ©.” “Pura vida.” (“Thanks for the coffee.” “You’re welcome.”)
  • Encouragement: “¡Todo va a salir pura vida!” (“Everything will turn out great!”)
  • Farewell: “Nos vemos mañana.” “¡Pura vida!” (“See you tomorrow.” “Take care!”)
  • Acceptance: “The rain just ruined our beach picnic” “Pura vida.” (“It is what it is”)

Cultures around the world have their own phrases that reflect joy, simplicity, and a deeper way of living. Hawai‘i’s aloha conveys hello, goodbye, love and peace. East Africa’s hakuna matata means “no worries.” The French say c’est la vie to accept life’s ups and downs, and Italians embrace dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing. In India, shanti shanti invokes inner peace, and the Dutch cherish gezelligheid, a cozy sense of togetherness. Finland’s sisu celebrates quiet resilience, and Spain’s sobremesa honors lingering connection after meals.

Each of these expressions are a little different- but they express the same spirit.

Hakuna Matata placed on a Zanzibar boat. c/o Muhammad Mahdi Karim, wikicommons.
Hakuna Matata placed on a Zanzibar boat. c/o Muhammad Mahdi Karim, wikicommons.
The ALOHA spirit. c/o Marcelo Chagas, Pexels.
The ALOHA spirit. c/o Marcelo Chagas, Pexels.

đŸ—ș Origins of Pura Vida: From Mexican Cinema to Costa Rican Identity

Surprisingly, PURA VIDA didn’t originate in Costa Rica. The phrase first gained popularity through a 1956 Mexican film titled ÂĄPura Vida!, a lighthearted comedy that featured a character who used the phrase to express positivity and resilience – even in the face of rather unfavorable situations. The film’s charm—and its catchy slogan—was happily adopted into the Costa Rican culture where it was a PERFECT fit for a country that was developing its caring, understanding, optimistic, balanced & compassionate nature.

The 'Pura Vida' lifestyle that started with Mexican cinema is still alive and well in Mexico - this store is located in Oaxaca. c/o Hersom Alexander, Pexels.
The ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle that started with Mexican cinema is still alive and well in Mexico – this store is located in Oaxaca. c/o Hersom Alexander, Pexels.

It proved hard to find this movie with English dubbing or sub-titles. You may have better luck – and here is the original Spanish version. The screenshots below show a few of the many instances where the lead character, Clavillazo, utters the famous phrase.

Pura Vida! Pura Vida! Pura Vida! Pura Vida! Pura Vida! Pura Vida!

Alternate Origin

Some researchers argue that the use of the phrase in a 1969 Peter Fonda film “Easy Rider” is the origin of the Costa Rican tradition. This is because the movie’s PURA VIDA scene uses cadence similar to how Costa Ricans say it today. 

To view this brief scene, check out the YouTube clip (warning – drug use depicted!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhPKWKMnANA

“Easy Rider” PURA VIDA scene. This is another potential source of Costa Rica's Pura Vida ethos.
“Easy Rider” PURA VIDA scene. This is another potential source of Costa Rica’s Pura Vida ethos.

☀ A Mindset, Not Just a Phrase

At its core, the simple PURA VIDA is a far-reaching and life-changing philosophy. So fleeting yet so powerful – one’s life can be totally transformed by following this powerful ethos:

  • Gratitude: Appreciating what you have, not chasing what you don’t.
  • Simplicity: Slowing down, savoring the moment, and letting go of stress.
  • Optimism: Believing that things will work out, even when life gets tough.
  • Connection: Prioritizing relationships with family, friends, and nature.
  • Acceptance: Knowing that things happen for a reason. And sometimes they just happen. Don’t cry over spilled milk or small inconveniences.
The Sloth is an animal that resonates with the PURA VIDA ideology. c/o Jean Paul Montanaro, Pexels.
The Sloth is an animal that resonates with the PURA VIDA ideology. c/o Jean Paul Montanaro, Pexels.

Costa Rica abolished its military in 1948, choosing peace and education over conflict. That decision echoes in the national embrace of PURA VIDA—a peaceful, grounded approach to life that’s become a cultural compass. The money that would have been used to support armies & weapons is now used to pay for schools, hospitals, roads, and social programs. This creates a powerful energy of creation rather than destruction.

Decoration outside a restaurant in Costa Rica's capital, San José, Costa Rica. c/o Pequeño mar, wikicommons.
Decoration outside a restaurant in Costa Rica’s capital, San JosĂ©, Costa Rica. c/o Pequeño mar, wikicommons.

🌎 Why It Resonates Globally

Costa Rica consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world. Its commitment to sustainability, education, culture and community well-being is rare—and PURA VIDA is at the center of that ethos.

c/o Simon King, wikicommons.
c/o Simon King, wikicommons.

Travelers often return home inspired, wondering how to bring a little PURA VIDA into their own lives. Many pick up branded hats, shirts or knick-knacks while a decent portion get PURA VIDA tattoos – you can find plenty of examples on Google in case you want to get inked!

And thus many people decide to come back & stay here as evidenced by the vibrant community of global expats in Costa Ballena. After all, only the Nordic & Benelux countries are happier than the people of Costa Rica (and we even beat the gold-standard Norway)!

Happiness Index averaged for the years 2022, 23 and 24. c/o Wikipedia.
Happiness Index averaged for the years 2022, 23 and 24. c/o Wikipedia.

🧘 Living Pura Vida: A Few Tips

Whether you’re visiting Costa Rica or simply seeking a more grounded lifestyle, here’s how to embrace PURA VIDA:

  • Slow down: Let go of rigid schedules. Enjoy the moment.
  • Be present: Put down your phone. Listen. Breathe.
  • Connect: Share a meal. Help a neighbor. Laugh with friends.
  • Respect nature: Walk barefoot. Watch the sunset. Leave no trace.
  • Accept fate: Life is ups. And life is downs. It is all a part of the human experience on this planet. Be thankful.
Umbrellas on a tropical beach.
Living the PURA VIDA life on Garza Island!

đŸŽ”đŸŽ¶ PURA VIDA Costa Rica Playlist

WOW – who would have thought there were so many songs about PURA VIDA and Costa Rica! Enough to get you started on a summer playlist. All of these songs are called PURA VIDA and the first four mention Costa Rica by name (the Hardy Brothers song is especially awesome):

 

The PURA VIDA spirit is one of the more mysterious, almost transcendental allures of Costa Rica. Captured in the local lifestyle, dance, song, countless T-shirt slogans, hotel murals, roadside signs, travel brochures, and even local airline ad campaigns, the power of PURA VIDA to bring happiness is unquestionable. Would you like to immerse yourself fin this lifestyle? Relocating here is MUCH easier than you think – let RE/MAX WE SELL PARADISE be your trusted partner – a great place to take a first step is our land and properties database accessible here.

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