Sarchí

     

This weekend we visited Sarchí located in the Alajuela province. There we walked through the city, seeing the Wedding Cake Church, which was once aquamarine and pink. Also, we saw the largest ox cart in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Afterwards we took a tour through woodworking shop, which described the evolution of the oxcarts. Ox carts were used in Costa Rica to transport agricultural products like coffee nowadays ox carts are the national symbol of work as they represent fortitude and self-reliance. As time progressed, so did the ox carts this is apparent in the change of the design of the wheel. The first version of the wheel used to get bogged down with mud and water. In order to fix this problem, the spokeless wheel was created which uses a metal rim filled with triangular pieces loosely held in place. The ox carts have evolved from just means of transportation as families in the twentieth century began to decorate the carts (this showed social status) and to design each cart’s wheels to make its own unique sound. The most surprising thing about this excursion was seeing such common tool become a national symbol. Costa Ricans have truly embraced the ox cart as each family creates their own design and sound for it.  Sarchí illustrated the pride Costa Ricans have in remembering the history of their country lifestyle if very important. Overall, Sarchí was a valuable excursion as it displayed Costa Rican history and culture.