Lights out on the Prince of Peace; Entrepreneurs expo; and a ‘whale’ of a good time in PZ

(Cortesy of perezzeledon.net)

August 22nd, 2014
By Perez Zeledon Community Reporter, Carol Vaughn

Lights Out on the Prince of Peace

Perez Zeledon has a cherished symbol of the Southern Zone which stands guard over the Valle de El General: Our Prince of Peace (El Principe de la Paz). This statue of Christ was created 35 years ago, while war raged in both Nicaragua and El Salvador, and our statue stood as a beacon of peace and hope for the world.

Last week, thieves darkened this honored monument by stealing all the cable, and leaving the statue in darkness.

The Prince of Peace stands 30-feet tall, and is perched on the highest point of an enormous rock called “La Piedra del Santo”, four miles outside of Perez, in San Rafael Norte. The statue depicts Christ extending his right hand to bless the citizens of the valley (Los Generalenos), and tourists and travelers who pass through along the Intercontinental Highway.

El Principe was sculpted in 1979 by local artist Francisco Ulloa, out of fiberglass, and was inaugurated in November of 1980, at a celebration of the 25^th Anniversary of the Diocesis de San Isidro de El General. Folks still describe the excitement of watching the statue helicoptered into place onto a cement base especially constructed to support it. The helicopter was on loan from the Panamanian Army and was left over from the war of Anastacio Somoza. Remember, Costa Rica has no army or military.

Thieves have once before stolen the lights and cables which illuminate our icon, and it was only since November 23, 2013, that the statue was once again gloriously relit. And now, sadly, it is dark again.

Let’s hope the citizens of PZ will once again band together to collect donations to re-illuminate The Prince of Peace.

The beloved statue was inspired by Isaiah 52:7, New King James Version:

How beautiful upon the mountains

Are the feet of him who brings good news,

Who proclaims peace,

Who brings tidings of good things,

Who proclaims salvation,

Who says to Zion,

“Your God reigns!”

So please Perez, let there be light again.

Don’t Miss The Brunca Entrepreneurs Festival

There will be an exposition and sale of products and services from the Brunca Region on August 29, 30, and 31, at the Fairgrounds of Coto Brus, San Vito, Zona Sur. This will be a festival of entrepreneurs, artisans, and cultural activities geared toward the whole family. It will highlight products and services offered by micro, small, and medium businesses of the Southern Zone of CR. This would be an excellent stop for tourists visiting this area – Don’t miss out!

For more information and directions, please go to www.facebook.com/BruncaEmprende.

Make Plans Now for the 6^th Festival of Whales and Dolphins

On September 5-7, and continuing September 12-14, plan on attending this international event in Bahia Ballena, Osa, CR. The Festival includes whale and dolphin tours, cycling, athletics, sand sculpture competition, concerts, photographic exhibitions, environmental workshops – and lots of opportunities to meet new people using one of Costa Rica’s favorite parks as your background. A Family Event!

Marino Ballena National Park is recognized internationally for the annual visitation of humpback whales, pilot whales, 3 species of dolphins, and several species of sea turtles.

For more information and to make reservations, please call 506.2743.8562 or 8729-3624. Several hotels are available nearby and food concessions will be available also. Find us online at [email protected].

Don’t miss this whale of a good time for the whole family!

Carol Vaughn

Carol Vaughn is an Inside Costa Rica Community Reporter covering Perez Zeledon.

Carol Vaughn holds a Master’s Degree in Performing Arts and is retired from a career as a tap dancer and teacher. She moved to Costa Rica two years ago from Washington, DC, and settled into a cabin on the banks of the Quebradas River in Perez Zeledon.

She also blogs for AngloINFO and is a volunteer Warden for the US Embassy for Perez Zeledon, helping out fellow Americans in emergencies.