Bribri & Cabécar Cultural & Spiritual Talks

An invitation into one of the richest and least-known living cultures in the Americas

We as Bribri and Cabécar peoples carry one of the most sophisticated and intact living cultures in the Americas — detailed systems of cosmovision, spirituality, matrilineal governance, and political organization, preserved through generations of resistance and commitment to our way of life. These are not stories from the past. They are living knowledge, still practiced in our territory today.

We offer several ways to begin learning: a focused two-hour conversation, a full day of structured learning at the Lodge, and an evening around grandfather fire with an Awá — receiving knowledge through song, story, and ceremony the way it has always been transmitted.

Introduction to Bribri & Cabécar Worldview, Cosmovision, History & Political Structures 2 Hours

Details

Location: Se Siwá Eco Lodge, online, or anywhere in Talamanca (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, etc.)

Duration: Approx. 2 hrs

Language: Delivered in English or Spanish

Cost: 40,000 Colones (between 1-4 people) + 5,000 Colones per person (above 4 people)

If there is a certain topic that you are most interested in learning, please let us know, otherwise, we will focus on a brief overview of our worldview, cosmovision, history and political structures. This talk can be held at Se Siwá Lodge as part of your stay, online, or anywhere in Talamanca (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, etc.). Additional transportation costs will be required if delivering offsite.

Introduction to Bribri & Cabécar Worldview, Cosmovision, History & Political Structures 1 Day Learning (6 Hours)

Details

Location: Se Siwá Eco Lodge

Duration: 8 Hrs total (6 hrs of learning)

Language: Delivered in English or Spanish

Cost: 120,000 Colones (between 1-4 people) + 10,000 Colones per person (above 4). Price includes lunch.

Split into three parts, you will have the opportunity to receive an introduction to Bribri and Cabécar worldview, matrilineal and matriarchal systems, land history, political organization, ways of production, manners, spiritual structure and beliefs. This offering is best delivered if staying the night at the Lodge. Typical schedule:

10am-12pm - Foundations of worldview, matrilineal & matriarchal system
12pm-1pm - Lunch (included)
1pm-3pm - History, political organization
3pm-4pm - break
4pm-6pm - Cosmovision, spiritual structure and beliefs

Campfire Stories, Chicha & Spirituality

Details

Location: Se Siwá Eco Lodge

Duration: Approx. 2 hrs

Language: Delivered by Awá in Spanish, translated to English (if needed)

Group Size: 1-10

Cost: 105,000 Colones (1 person) + 10,000 Colones per additional person

In Bribri & Cabécar spiritual life, fire holds a deeply respected place. In this experience, you will have the opportunity to sit around grandfather fire with an authentic Awá (spiritual master from the Bribri and Cabecar culture) and using the oral tradition, learn about indigenous legends, spiritual reflections, and traditional songs. We will share Blo (chicha, a traditional fermented drink) and finish the night with the dance of the Bul, which is a circular dance guided by the Awá, which symbolises our conception of the universe and world. The dance of the Bul is an expression of gratitude for the land, universe and community.

*Prices are listed in Colones, Costa Rican national currency. For payment we accept cash in Colones or US Dollars, SINPE transfer or Paypal.