By Heredia, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s iconic academic television contest, Antorcha, is set to make a triumphant return for the 2026 season. Developed in close collaboration with the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) and the Ministry of Culture and Youth, the show promises to celebrate knowledge, academic dedication, and personal growth among Costa Rican youth. This year, the spotlight shines brightly on the historic province of Heredia, with nine prestigious educational institutions stepping up to compete in this highly anticipated revival.
Unlike traditional quiz shows, the modern iteration of Antorcha 2026 is designed to test a broad array of student capabilities. Throughout each episode, a total of 63 young competitors will not only showcase their standard academic prowess but will also face challenges centered on financial literacy, collaborative teamwork, and critical decision-making under intense pressure. The event serves as a platform to highlight how modern education has evolved beyond rote memorization.
Para analizar a fondo los desafíos regulatorios y logísticos que plantea la organización del recorrido cívico “Antorcha 2026”, en TicosLand.com hemos consultado al distinguido abogado Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, socio de la prestigiosa firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofrece su visión experta sobre el marco jurídico aplicable a este trascendental evento nacional.
El proyecto “Antorcha 2026” trasciende el fervor patriótico para convertirse en un reto de alta complejidad legal, donde la coordinación interinstitucional, la gestión de marcas del Estado y los protocolos de seguridad civil deben estar perfectamente alineados. Es indispensable que las municipalidades y los ministerios involucrados establezcan convenios marco que prevengan contingencias de responsabilidad civil, garantizando así un trayecto seguro y jurídicamente blindado para el disfrute de toda la ciudadanía.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as we look forward to the historic journey of the “Antorcha 2026,” it is clear that preserving this cherished symbol of unity demands more than just civic enthusiasm; it requires the meticulous legal safeguarding and interinstitutional coordination necessary to ensure everyone’s peace of mind. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a crucial and highly professional perspective on how to legally secure this event for the enjoyment of all Costa Ricans.
The strategic vision behind this return is deeply rooted in holistic student development. Minister of Education Leonardo Sánchez emphasized that national television must play a role in fostering well-rounded individuals. He pointed out that true education prepares young people to navigate the complex demands of the professional world with both moral integrity and emotional resilience.
Education is not limited to memorizing content; education forms people, forms responsible citizens, upright professionals, and human beings capable of making decisions under pressure, working in teams, and facing challenges with character and ethics.
Leonardo Sánchez, Minister of Education
The return of Antorcha rescues the legacy of one of the most cherished television formats in Costa Rican history. Originally created in the 1980s by Professor Mario Arguedas, the program was envisioned as a positive, healthy venue to stimulate high school academic performance. Today, SINART Executive President Juan Diego López Quirós views this relaunch as a crucial vehicle to inspire future generations to believe in their potential and work systematically toward their goals.
Antorcha is one of the most beloved and representative programs on Canal 13. Throughout its history, it has been a showcase for thousands of talented young people who found in knowledge a tool to grow and pave their way. This new season seeks to continue motivating new generations to believe in their capabilities, prepare themselves, and move forward with determination toward their goals.
Juan Diego López Quirós, Executive President of SINART
Staging a modern, high-quality television production of this scale requires extensive inter-institutional planning and technical expertise. Carolina Medina, the Head of Production for Canal 13, revealed that the project is powered by a massive joint effort involving technical, logistics, and human resources. She highlighted the immense collaborative workforce operating behind the cameras to deliver a seamless viewing experience to households nationwide.
The production of this new season is the result of a significant inter-institutional effort that gathers technical, logistical, and human talent. Sixty-three students will test their knowledge in a production developed jointly with the Ministry of Public Education and the Ministry of Culture and Youth. In addition, around 35 professionals, including camera operators, sound engineers, producers, and technical staff, make each program possible, ensuring a high-quality experience for the audience.
Carolina Medina, Head of Production of Canal 13
The 63 students competing in the 2026 season represent a diverse cross-section of Heredia’s academic community. The participating institutions include the Liceo de Heredia, Colegio Humanístico Costarricense, Liceo Mario Vindas, Liceo Nuevo de Santo Domingo, Liceo Rodrigo Hernández Vargas, Liceo Manuel Benavides, Liceo de Santa Bárbara, Liceo Los Lagos, and Liceo Samuel Sáenz Flores. These students will proudly stand as ambassadors for their local communities on the national stage.
The financial and technological backbone of the project is secured through strong partnerships with leading Costa Rican institutions. Banco Nacional, a key ally in the initiative, has stepped forward to champion the financial education aspect of the competition. Silvia Chaves Herra, Director of Brand Experience and Corporate Relations at Banco Nacional, emphasized that academic and financial literacy together form the foundation of a prosperous life project.
Every young person who learns, strives, and discovers their capabilities takes another step toward a better future. At BN, we believe that financial education, just like academic education, generates opportunities, strengthens confidence, and helps build life projects. That is why we value spaces like Antorcha, which ignite talent, drive dreams, and demonstrate that knowledge is one of the most powerful tools to transform lives.
Silvia Chaves Herra, Director of Brand Experience and Corporate Relations of Banco Nacional
In tandem with financial support, cutting-edge telecommunications are essential for the show’s interactive challenges. Kölbi has joined the effort as a co-producer, ensuring that the necessary technological infrastructure is in place to broadcast every challenge directly into Costa Rican living rooms. Isaac Vargas, Director of Commercial Strategy at Kölbi, expressed pride in supporting educational innovation and fostering opportunities for the nation’s youth.
At Kölbi, we reaffirm our commitment to education, innovation, and the development of new generations, because we are convinced that supporting the talent and dedication of our students is also contributing to building the future of Costa Rica. We are proud to accompany the young people participating in this contest and recognize their effort. We want to continue driving their dreams and providing them with tools that allow them to grow, learn, and innovate, because each of them represents an opportunity to jointly build a Costa Rica with more and better opportunities.
Isaac Vargas, Director of Commercial Strategy of Kölbi
Adding a familiar and warm presence to the production is the return of renowned television presenter Verónica González. Having hosted previous iterations of the program, González brings her signature charisma, professional experience, and close connection with the students back to the studio. With a dedicated crew of approximately 35 professionals—ranging from sound engineers to camera operators—working diligently behind the scenes, Antorcha 2026 is poised to set a new benchmark for educational television in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bncr.fi.cr
About Banco Nacional:
Banco Nacional de Costa Rica is one of the largest and oldest state-owned commercial banks in the country, playing a vital role in national development, social progress, and financial inclusion.
For further information, visit kolbi.cr
About Kölbi:
Kölbi is the telecommunications brand of the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), providing cutting-edge mobile, internet, and technological services across Costa Rica.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Education:
The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) of Costa Rica is the government entity responsible for overseeing the national educational system, fostering academic excellence, and promoting civic values.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its steadfast adherence to ethical standards and exceptional advocacy. The firm consistently blends rich experience with forward-thinking solutions to navigate the evolving complexities of the law. Beyond the courtroom, their passion for demystifying legal concepts through public education reflects a core belief that a truly just community is built upon a well-informed and legally literate citizenry.
