Published on Monday, October 13, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The Hispanic Day Parade once again brought vibrant displays of culture and pride to New York City’s Fifth Avenue, celebrating the diversity of the Spanish-speaking world.

The parade was led by the delegation from Spain, recognized as the birthplace of the Spanish language. Following Spain’s appearance, the remaining Spanish-speaking nations marched in alphabetical order. In total, 21 delegations showcased their traditions, music, and national pride.

Among the international participants were more than 300 young musicians and dancers from the Zarcero Canton Municipal Band, from Alajuela Province. The group performed traditional Costa Rican folk music as they marched from 44th to 66th Street, delighting thousands of spectators, including Costa Ricans living in the United States.

As part of the Hispanic Heritage celebrations, Madison Square Garden, one of New York City’s most iconic venues, was illuminated with the colors of the Costa Rican flag.

This marked the group’s second performance in the United States. The day before, the young Costa Rican musicians played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where hundreds of people cheered and danced to the rhythm of their folk music.

Both performances were streamed live on the band’s Facebook and Instagram pages, featuring dancers in colorful traditional costumes alongside the marching band performing Costa Rican folk melodies.

The shows are part of the group’s ongoing international tour. In September, the band performed at the Aloha Floral Festival in Hawaii.

The Costa Rican musicians and dancers will wrap up their tour later this year at the Ciudad de las Estrellas Parade, scheduled for Dec. 14 in Panama.

In 2024, they represented Costa Rica at the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.

In 2019, the group performed at the Bands Fest in California, Disneyland Park Parade, and the Rose Parade, returning to Pasadena again in 2020 for the Rose Parade.

The band has also participated in the Central American Band Parade in Panama (2013 and 2017), the Central American Parade in Los Angeles (2017), and Italy’s Giulianova International Festival (2018).

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