The Fortuna District's community marching band from San Carlos Canton, in Alajuela Province, is set to represent the country at London’s New Year’s Day Parade (LNYDP) on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in the streets of London’s West End.

The parade is London’s largest street celebration, attracting more than one million spectators. Over 250 television networks broadcast the event live, reaching millions of viewers around the world.

On Sunday, the ensemble performed at St John’s Waterloo Church in London as part of its preparations for Wednesday’s parade.

The band features 190 musicians and dancers, ranging in age from 8 to 35. It was founded in 2010 by its current director, Erick Quesada, with support from the La Fortuna Community Development Association.

The Fortuna Marching Band was designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a Representative of Costa Rican Cultural Diplomacy. The Costa Rican Tourism Institute also recognized them with the "Essential Costa Rica" brand.

“It shows that the path we’ve taken has been the right one for promoting Costa Rican culture,” Quesada said about his band’s recognition.

The band will be the only one from Latin America participating in the London parade. Those who want to watch the Ticos' performance can tune in to the live stream on London’s New Year’s Day Parade website, starting at noon GMT (6 a.m. Costa Rican time).

This is the second time a Costa Rican marching band has participated in the London parade. In 2021, the Orotina Community Marching Band from Alajuela Province performed in the same British New Year’s celebration event.

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