Semana Santa In Full Swing
All roads leading outside of San José were jammed yesterday as the rest of vacationers made their way to the beaches, mountains and resorts for the Semana Santa holiday. Many had left last Saturday, but the rest of the more than 2 million vacationers where on the road last night and will continue early this morning.

Today, all banks and most businesses are closed. Supermarkets and malls will stay open today, some will be closed tomorrow (Friday) - like Pricesmart, for example - but will re-open on Saturday. Banks will re-open on Tuesday.

All bars were shut down last night at the stroke of midnight as Costa Rica goes "dry" until Saturday morning. The "Ley Seca" - an antiquated law - went into effect that prohibits the sale of liquor from midnight Wednesday to midnight Friday. Supermarkets had to close off their alcohol section and restaurants will not be allowed to serve your favourite glass of wine with a meal.

Costa Rica literally is "slow" mode - slower than usual - as the holiday means time at the beach for many. San José becomes deserted. Those who couldn't make to the beach or mountains will fill the parks, especially the Parque La Sabana, which offers lots of green area, soccer and baseball fields and a lake.

While most Costa Ricans are enjoying the holiday, a group of public workers - Fuerza Pública (police), Tránsito (traffic police), Cruz Rojistas (Red Cross workers) and Bomberos (firefighters) are on full duty ensuring public security and attending to emergencies.

So far during this holiday, only eight deaths have been registered. Authorities are looking to reduce the number of deaths over last year which totalled 30. Of the eight deaths, five were from traffic accidents, while three from gunshots. The Red Cross says it saved 11 from aquatic accidents.

Tránsito officials report that they have issued some 2.300 traffi tickets so far. Some 800 Tránsito - almost the complete force - is on the job during these 11 days, controlling traffic for drinking and driving and speeding. Road check points are been operated at strategic points and the presence of traffic officers along the major routes will hopefully encourage drivers to slow down.

In addition to the Tránsito, the Fuerza Pública is keeping an eye on the celebrations, ensuring peace and security for all. Immigration officials are expanding their operatives to assist the Fuerza Pública. Twenty-eight people have been nabbed for immigration violations, while eight detained for violation of the Ley de Armas y Explosivos (arms and explosives) and several arrests for drug possession. Tránsito officials say that they have confiscated some 40 vehicles so far as the drivers were impaired.

While everyone has vacation in mind, there is one group that is taking advantage of the period: the thieves.

The Fuerza Pública remind everyone that this is the time for increased violence against homes - break-ins. Who is watching your home while you are away? is the question, as thieves take advantage of homes empty of people to empty them of their contents.