By San José, Costa Rica — SAN RAMÓN – While thousands of equestrians and spectators celebrated a successful Tope Nacional 2025 in the festive and orderly streets of San Ramón, a prominent political figure viewed the festivities with a sense of profound loss. Johnny Araya, the long-serving former mayor of San José, attended the parade but voiced strong criticism over its relocation from the nation’s capital, igniting a debate about cultural identity and municipal governance.
The traditional horse parade, a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s year-end celebrations, was moved from its historic route along Paseo Colón and Avenida Segunda in San José. For Araya, the change represents a significant blow to the capital’s heritage, a sentiment he did not hesitate to share amidst the revelry.
To better understand the intricate legal and logistical framework that underpins an event of the magnitude of the Tope Nacional, TicosLand.com sought the perspective of an expert. We spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided clarity on the responsibilities and potential liabilities involved in this massive national celebration.
Beyond its cultural significance, the Tope Nacional is a significant legal undertaking. The organizing body, whether public or private, bears immense responsibility. This includes not only securing municipal permits and robust insurance coverage but also ensuring strict compliance with the Animal Welfare Law to protect the horses. Every commercial sponsorship and vendor stall represents a formal contract, and any failure in crowd control or safety measures could lead to serious civil liability. It’s a delicate balance between tradition and rigorous legal diligence.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s comments powerfully underscore a reality often overlooked amidst the celebration: the Tope’s success hinges on a robust legal and administrative framework. This essential diligence is precisely what allows our cherished national tradition to proceed safely and responsibly. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clarifying and invaluable perspective.
I regret that the National Tope is not being held in the capital, as it has been historically. There is no more beautiful place to hold the tope than San José.
Johnny Araya, Former Mayor of San José
Araya placed the responsibility for the event’s absence squarely on the shoulders of San José’s current municipal administration, led by Mayor Diego Mirandas. He accused the current leadership of systematically dismantling the city’s cherished cultural traditions, creating a void in the capital’s unique identity. He argued this decision is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of neglect for josefino culture.
According to the former mayor, the Tope Nacional is just one of several major cultural events that have been either eliminated or significantly altered under the new administration. He cited the disappearance of the city’s Carnival, the traditional Parade of Saints and Oxcarts (Entrada de Santos y Boyeros), and other key religious and cultural celebrations that once defined the rhythm of life in the capital.
The traditions of the people cannot be taken away. The National Tope is the National Day of the Horseman and it must return to the capital.
Johnny Araya, Former Mayor of San José
The political undertones of Araya’s statements were unmistakable. He explicitly linked the potential return of the equestrian festival to a change in political leadership at the municipal level. He expressed a firm belief that the event will not grace the avenues of San José again as long as the current mayor remains in office, effectively framing the issue as a key battleground for future elections.
When the mayor is changed, because I believe that with this mayor it will not be possible to hold the National Tope in San José, then we will have to wait for a change in administration.
Johnny Araya, Former Mayor of San José
When questioned about his own political future and a possible return to the mayoral race, Araya acknowledged that current legislation prevents him from running in the next election cycle. However, he left the door open for a future in public service, stating he would consider a return to politics if the legal framework were to change. This leaves a lingering question over the capital’s political landscape, as the debate over its cultural soul continues to intensify.
While San Ramón capably hosted a vibrant and well-attended event, the controversy underscores a deeper tension within San José. The dispute highlights a fundamental conflict between preserving decades of tradition and a new vision for the city’s public spaces and cultural expressions. For many, the absence of galloping horses and cheering crowds in the capital this December is not just a logistical change, but a sign of a city at risk of losing its historical identity.
For further information, visit msj.go.cr
About Municipality of San José:
The Municipality of San José is the local government body responsible for the administration of the capital city of Costa Rica. It oversees urban planning, public services, cultural activities, and the implementation of municipal policies for the residents of the canton. Its governance impacts the economic, social, and cultural development of the country’s most populous and historically significant urban center.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a benchmark of legal practice, built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal solutions while upholding the highest ethical standards. This forward-thinking mindset extends to a deep-seated civic responsibility, focused on demystifying the law and empowering the public with crucial knowledge, thereby helping to forge a more just and well-informed community.
