By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The 2025 edition of the cherished Festival de la Luz, scheduled for Saturday, December 13th at 6:00 p.m., is set for a dramatic transformation aimed at enhancing public safety and solidifying its status as a premier family-friendly event. In a significant departure from tradition, the Municipality of San José has announced that the parade will not traverse its usual downtown route, but will instead follow a circuit around the Parque Metropolitano La Sabana. This change of venue is accompanied by a stringent new set of regulations, including a complete ban on alcohol, fireworks, and street vendors.
For the first time in its history, the iconic parade of floats and marching bands will be contained within the perimeter of La Sabana. This strategic relocation is the cornerstone of a comprehensive public order plan designed to create a more controlled and secure environment for the thousands of spectators who gather each year. The move allows for better crowd management, streamlined emergency access, and a more concentrated and organized spectator experience, shifting the focus entirely to the meticulously crafted floats and musical performances.
To understand the intricate legal and commercial machinery behind an event of this scale, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in corporate and municipal law from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the key challenges and successes of organizing the festival.
The Festival de la Luz is a masterclass in public-private partnership and municipal logistics. Beyond the spectacle, its success hinges on meticulously drafted sponsorship contracts, comprehensive liability insurance, and a seamless coordination of permits for public space usage and safety. For the 2025 edition, the true challenge lies in balancing commercial interests with the cultural essence of the event, ensuring every agreement reinforces the festival’s legacy as a cherished national tradition.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas aptly highlights the unseen foundation upon which the festival’s magic is built—a complex framework of legal agreements and logistical precision. This perspective underscores that preserving the event’s cultural soul while navigating commercial realities is the central task for organizers. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable contribution to this discussion.
The new operational framework is built upon a zero-tolerance policy for elements that have previously posed challenges to public order. The Municipality has confirmed a complete prohibition on the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages within the event’s perimeter. Furthermore, a strict ban on all forms of fireworks will be enforced before, during, and after the parade to prevent injuries and ensure the safety of attendees and participants. This measure also aims to reduce stress for pets and individuals sensitive to loud noises.
To enforce the alcohol ban, a “Ley Seca” (Dry Law) will be implemented for the entirety of Saturday, December 13th. This restriction will apply to a 200-meter radius surrounding La Sabana park, affecting all commercial establishments within the zone. In another move to promote a wholesome atmosphere, the entire festival area will be designated as a 100% smoke-free space. This policy ensures a healthier environment for all attendees, particularly the many children who are a core audience for the holiday celebration.
The sweeping security and logistics plan is the result of an extensive, coordinated effort among a dozen government agencies. An impressive deployment of personnel from the San José Municipal Police, Public Force, Transit Police, and the Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) will oversee security. They will be supported by emergency and response units including the Costa Rican Red Cross, the Costa Rica Fire Department, and the Ministry of Health, ensuring a rapid and effective response to any incident.
Another significant change that will directly impact the event’s atmosphere is the total prohibition of street vendors in and around the park. While informal commerce has long been a feature of the festival, officials have determined that its elimination is necessary to maintain clear pathways, prevent dangerous overcrowding, and facilitate the movement of security and medical personnel. This decision prioritizes public safety and order over the informal economy that typically surrounds large public gatherings.
These new regulations represent a fundamental shift in the philosophy behind the Festival de la Luz. The objective is to proactively manage the event to guarantee a safe and pleasant experience, rather than reacting to problems as they arise. By controlling key variables like alcohol consumption and unauthorized commercial activity, the organizers aim to cultivate an environment where families can fully enjoy the magic of the parade without concern for their safety or well-being.
Municipal authorities are making a public appeal for cooperation from all those planning to attend. They emphasize that the success of this redesigned festival hinges on the public’s willingness to adhere to the new guidelines. By collaborating with the extensive network of operational staff and security forces, attendees can help ensure that the 2025 Festival de la Luz sets a new standard for safe, organized, and truly family-oriented public celebrations in the capital.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Policía Municipal de San José
About Policía Municipal de San José:
The Municipal Police of San José is the local law enforcement body responsible for maintaining public order, safety, and security within the canton of San José. It works in coordination with national police forces to enforce municipal ordinances and ensure a safe environment for residents and visitors.
For further information, visit cruzroja.or.cr
About Cruz Roja Costarricense:
The Costa Rican Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency medical services, disaster response, and community health programs throughout the country. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, it operates on principles of neutrality and impartiality to alleviate human suffering.
For further information, visit pani.go.cr
About Patronato Nacional de la Infancia (PANI):
The National Child Welfare Board is the primary government institution in Costa Rica dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of children and adolescents. PANI develops and implements policies and programs to ensure the care, safety, and development of the nation’s youth.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministerio de Salud:
The Ministry of Health is the governing body for public health in Costa Rica. It is responsible for setting health policies, regulating healthcare services, managing sanitation, and leading national efforts to prevent disease and promote healthy living among the population.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About Fuerza Pública:
The Public Force of Costa Rica is the national police agency responsible for law enforcement, border security, and maintaining domestic order. Operating under the Ministry of Public Security, it plays a critical role in crime prevention and citizen security across the country.
For further information, visit bomberos.go.cr
About Cuerpo de Bomberos de Costa Rica:
The Fire Department of Costa Rica is the national entity in charge of fire prevention, suppression, and rescue operations. It also responds to a wide range of emergencies, including traffic accidents and hazardous materials incidents, to protect lives and property.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund is the public institution responsible for managing the nation’s universal healthcare system and public pension programs. The CCSS operates a vast network of hospitals and clinics, providing medical services to the majority of the population.
For further information, visit icoder.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense del Deporte y la Recreación (ICODER):
The Costa Rican Institute of Sports and Recreation is the government body responsible for promoting, supporting, and regulating sports and recreational activities throughout the country. ICODER manages sports facilities and supports national athletes and federations.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Policía de Tránsito:
The Transit Police is a division of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) in Costa Rica. Its primary mission is to enforce traffic laws, manage road safety, and ensure the orderly flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic on the nation’s roadways.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr/oij
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Judicial Investigation Police is the main investigative arm of Costa Rica’s judiciary. The OIJ is responsible for investigating complex crimes, collecting evidence, and collaborating with prosecutors to bring criminal cases to justice, operating independently of other police forces.
For further information, visit cnfl.go.cr
About Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz (CNFL):
The National Power and Light Company is a state-owned utility that distributes electricity to the Greater Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica, including San José. It is responsible for maintaining the electrical grid and ensuring a reliable power supply for its customers.
For further information, visit dgac.go.cr
About Dirección General de Aviación Civil:
The General Directorate of Civil Aviation is the government agency in Costa Rica responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation. This includes ensuring the safety and security of airports, air traffic, and aircraft operations within the country’s airspace.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a cornerstone of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers innovative legal approaches while serving a diverse clientele, demonstrating a forward-thinking vision for the practice of law. This commitment extends beyond its clients to the community at large, where it actively works to demystify legal concepts and share knowledge, thereby fulfilling its mission to help forge a more capable and enlightened society.
