 |
COSTA RICA |
| |
The Big
Show Tonight,The Festival de La Luz!
Everything is set for the big event today,
when at 6pm, the magic happens, San José
will become the focus of attention in Costa
Rica with the Festival de la Luz, the single
most important event of the Christmas season
for the last 14 years.
The event is so popular because it is a
"family" event, as entire families come out
to see the floats, marching bands,
cheerleaders and celebrities do their thing.
For those who cannot be there live, it is
broadcast live on all national television
channels.
This year a million people are expected to
to take in the big show as the parade
marshal - this year the marshal is the group
of young soccer players of the Sub-20 - will
lead the parade from the Gimnasio Nacional
(southeast corner of the Sabana park) on the
west side, along Paseo Colón, onto Avenida
Segunda and ending at the Plaza de la
Democracia on the east side.
In total, seven bands, eight floats, nine
groups of cheerleaders and many surprises
will fill the evening's activity, which is
expected to last several hours.
But, before the the event takes place, two
things have to happen: one, it has to get
dark, and second, the fireworks have to be
lit.
This year the Municipalidad de San José has
issued a "zero tolerance" for the tradition
of drinking in public areas.
San José mayor, Johnny Araya, said this is a
family event and there is no need for the
consumption of alcohol on the streets. More
than a 645 officials of the Fuerza Pública
(uniformed police) will be on hand to keep
an eye on the crowds and assure safety.
Also, more than 150 Tránsito (traffic)
police will be controlling traffic and
closing off streets.
Traffic in downtown San José will be chaotic
starting early this morning when a series of
road closures will begin along the parade
route.
Bus routes and stops will also be affected.
Buses that generally use and make stops
along Paseo Colon and Avenida Segunda will
be routed to parallel alternate routes.
The Cruz Roja (Red Cross) will also be on
hand with 14 control posts and 190 first aid
personnel to provide medical attention,
while 40 bomberos (firefighters) will be on
foot and on cuadracycles along the parade
route. Also, the Comisión Nacional de
Emergencias (CNE) - national emergency
commission - will have a crew on alert.
To get the best of the event it is
recommended to arrive early. A number of
stands have been set up along the route, a
seat costing ¢1.500 colones per person.
Don't forget to bring along water, snacks
and a sweater. The San José nights can be
chilly.
And keep in mind that the AH1N1 flu virus is
still among us. Remind yourself to maintain
a protocol with sneezing and coughing, as
well as avoid the sneezes and coughs of
others and keep alcohol gel or wipes on
hand.
Most important of all is, enjoy! |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
