By Cartago, Costa Rica — CARTAGO – In a surprising development for cultural enthusiasts and the equestrian community, the traditional National Costa Rican Horseman’s Day Parade, scheduled for December 26, 2025, in Cartago, has been officially cancelled. The announcement came from the event’s Organizing Committee, which cited significant logistical hurdles that compromised their ability to ensure the safety of attendees, participants, and the animals themselves.
The annual event, a major highlight in the province’s festive calendar, draws large crowds and is a significant showcase of Costa Rican equestrian tradition. However, the committee determined that insurmountable “challenges in technical and operational inter-institutional coordination” made it impossible to proceed. In a formal statement, the organizers expressed their regret over the decision, emphasizing that it was made with a profound sense of duty and responsibility.
To understand the legal and logistical framework that makes large-scale cultural events like the Cartago Horse Parade possible, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
An event like the Cartago Horse Parade is a significant undertaking, not just culturally but legally. Organizers must meticulously navigate a labyrinth of regulations, from municipal permits and SENASA’s animal welfare protocols to comprehensive civil liability insurance. The primary legal challenge is ensuring the safety of thousands of spectators and participants, where any oversight can lead to severe legal and financial consequences. Proper risk management and contractual clarity with all vendors and participants are non-negotiable.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is a crucial reminder of the immense, often unseen, responsibility that underpins such a cherished public tradition. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert insight, which highlights the meticulous planning required to safeguard both the event and its thousands of attendees.
The committee was clear that the cancellation was not due to a lack of financial backing, a common issue for large-scale public events. They sought to reassure the public and their partners that their support was not the cause of the unfortunate outcome.
We find ourselves in the necessity of canceling the parade… due to factors entirely unrelated to the support of our sponsors.
Organizing Committee, National Horseman’s Day Parade
The organizers extended their gratitude to the equestrian community for their unwavering support and vowed to address the underlying coordination issues. They expressed a strong commitment to overcoming these obstacles to revive the beloved parade in the future, ensuring it can be held under the proper conditions.
Cartago’s Mayor, Mario Redondo, provided further clarity on the situation, confirming the cancellation from the municipal perspective. He revealed that the city government, while not the primary organizer, had established a clear set of non-negotiable requirements for the event to receive its permit. According to the mayor, the organizers were unable to meet these standards in time.
The Organizing Committee of the horse parade that was to be held in Cartago at the end of this year has informed us that they are canceling the activity because they apparently could not comply with some requirements set by some public institutions.
Mario Redondo, Mayor of Cartago
The municipality’s conditions were centered on ensuring the event was a safe, family-oriented affair with a strong focus on animal welfare. Key requirements included the confirmed presence of an adequate number of veterinarians, robust controls to prevent excessive alcohol consumption among attendees, and specific measures to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere throughout the parade route.
Mayor Redondo drew a distinction between a common street party, or “tope,” and the high standards expected for a formal Horseman’s Parade in Cartago. He suggested that the organizers may have underestimated the time and effort required to meet the city’s elevated expectations for animal care and public safety.
Organizing a ‘tope’ can be easy, but organizing a Horseman’s Parade with the guarantees we were requesting—that it be a family activity and ensure the protection of the horses—takes more time, and that seems to be what the organizers lacked in this case.
Mario Redondo, Mayor of Cartago
Looking ahead, the mayor announced that the municipal government is now considering a more direct role in the event’s future. Following this year’s cancellation, the city will analyze the feasibility of the Municipality of Cartago itself taking over the organization for the 2026 edition. This move could provide the institutional backing and planning resources necessary to meet the stringent safety and welfare standards, potentially ensuring the long-term viability of this important cultural tradition.
For further information, visit muni-carta.go.cr
About Municipality of Cartago:
The Municipality of Cartago is the local government body responsible for the administration of the canton of Cartago, one of Costa Rica’s oldest and most historically significant cities. It manages public services, urban planning, infrastructure development, and the promotion of cultural activities for its residents. The administration, led by the mayor, works to ensure the safety, well-being, and orderly development of the community.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm leverages its rich history of serving a diverse clientele to pioneer innovative legal strategies and solutions. Central to its ethos is a deep-seated commitment to enriching the community by making complex legal principles accessible, thereby empowering individuals and contributing to a more just and informed society.
