The main festival event will begin at 6 p.m. Floats and bands will perform inside the stadium before circling the park on a route of roughly 3.5 kilometers, then returning to the stadium.

Floats remain the centerpiece of the parade. This year’s entries will include the Municipality of San José, the Insurance Institute, state-owned telecommunications provider Kolbi, Telecable, state-owned banks Banco Nacional, Banco Popular and Banco de Costa Rica, and the Social Protection Board, among others.

City judges will select the top three floats and marching bands. The municipality’s own float will be displayed but will not compete.

A drone show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., followed by a fireworks finale.

Stadium admission will be free. Officials expect about 12,000 people inside the venue and more than 500,000 in the surrounding park.

The grand marshal for this year’s parade has not yet been announced. Last year, Costa Rica’s state-run Insurance Institute (INS) served as grand marshal in honor of its 100th anniversary.

Officials are reminding attendees of several safety guidelines, especially for those attending with children:

• Plan ahead, know the parade route and locate lost-child centers and restrooms.

• Stay together, keep children in sight and never leave them unattended.

• Choose a meeting point in case anyone gets separated.

• Teach children to seek a police officer if lost.

• Take a photo of your child before leaving home for identification purposes.

• Have children wear identifying information, such as their name and guardian contact information, sewn into clothing.

• Avoid placing children on your shoulders to prevent falls.

• Stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables out of view.

• Carry important items in front pockets to reduce the risk of theft.

• Park only in designated areas and never in prohibited zones.

• Lock vehicles and avoid leaving items visible inside.

• Travel in groups when possible.

• Use sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats.

The festival began in 1996 and since 1999, the municipality has awarded the marshal title to individuals or organizations that bring “brightness and pride” to the country.

Organizers expect the combined in-person and television audience to reach 1 million viewers. The event will air live on local TV stations 6, 7, 8 and 13.