Published on Thursday, December 5, 2024
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The Municipality of San José will hold the Christmas Lights Festival or Festival de la Luz, on Saturday, December 14 at 3 p.m.

The festival is a major Christmas event in Costa Rica, with professionally built floats and bands parading through San José streets from Paseo Colón Ave. to  Democracy Square.

This year's festival will be dedicated to the Insurance Institute (INS), which serves as its chief marshal. The state-run life, health, and asset insurance organization was chosen to commemorate its 100th anniversary of foundation.

Since 1999, the Municipality of San José has awarded the title of marshal to persons or organizations who have brought brightness and pride to the name of the capital city and the country, according to the city's statement.

The floats are the centerpiece of the parade, this year including the Municipality of San Joé, the Insurance Institute, Kolbi Telecommunications, a state-owned corporation, Telecable, state-owned banks, Banco Nacional, Banco Popular and Banco de Costa Rica, and the Social Protection Board, among many others.

The city judges will select the three best floats. However, the municipality's float will be shown but will not be entered into the competition.

The bands that will march and play in the festival parade are from schools, high schools, and municipalities that won competitions held in September. Among these are the bands from the cantos of San José, Zarcero, Acosta, and Limón.

The event began in 1996 when the Municipality of San José organized the first Christmas parade including floats and bands in the country.

According to the municipality, the Christmas Lights Festival has already become an integral part of Costa Rican Christmas traditions.

The celebration is expected to attract 1 million attendees, with another million following the parade on television. The event will be aired live on local television stations 6, 7, 8, and 13.

Admission to the festival is free. However, the municipality will provide zones with reserved seating for those who wish to view the parade in a more pleasant space. Tickets can be purchased at the municipality located on 10th Ave. in San José.

The proceeds from ticket sales will assist a non-profit organization or foundation, authorities said.

Organizers provide some security measures to take when attending a parade with children:

• Plan ahead, know the parade route and where to find lost child centers and bathrooms.

• Pack a bag, and bring everything your child might need, such as snacks, drinks, diapers, and hand sanitizer.

• Stay together and keep children within your line of sight and never leave them unattended.

• Choose a meeting place in case you get separated.

• Teach children to find a police officer if they get lost.

• Take a picture of your child before you leave so you can show the police what they look like.

• Have children wear identifying information, like their name and your contact information, sewn into their clothing.

• Avoid putting children on your shoulders, children can easily fall off and adults can lose their balance.

• Be aware of your surroundings and don't leave anything valuable in plain sight.

• Carry valuables in your front pocket, this makes it harder for pickpockets to steal.

• Park in designated areas and never park in public zones.

• Lock your vehicle and don't leave valuables in plain sight.

• Travel in groups and be aware of your surroundings.

• Wear bright clothing and use glow sticks or flashlights.

• Use a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen to protect against UV rays.

Last week, the traditional Children's Museum Christmas Festival took place in San José.

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Have you attended Costa Rica's Christmas Lights Festival? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com