Those happy faces you see are public school youngsters on their two-week mid-year break.

Many private schools follow the public school calendar.

Friday was the last day of class until July 17. And that was not a full day of studies. Students marked the execution of Indian leader Pablo Presbere, who died July 4, 1710, in Cartago.

Because the day fell within the vacation, it was commemorated Friday.  Presbere led the Talamanca Indians in their battle against Spanish expansion until he was captured in an ambush.

The mid-term school break is a good time for tourism operators because many families travel to the beaches, lakes and mountains during this period.

The next holiday is July 25 marking the vote when the citizens of Guanacaste via the Partido de Nicoya, voted to join Costa Rica 182 years ago.

The school term ends Dec. 20.

The U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section is undergoing a renovation project to provide seven more windows to attend the public. It will be housed in a temporary structure adjacent to the present office space in Pavas, in western San José, from early July until November of this year during the construction. U.S. citizens who wish to register their babies born in Costa Rica should call 519-2452 for an appointment during these months. Only emergency services will be provided the week of July 3-7.

-Tico Times