By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The heart of the capital is set to transform into a bustling holiday hub as La Sabana Metropolitan Park prepares to host the third annual “Mercadito de Ilusiones.” From December 12th to 14th, this significant Christmas market will provide a vital platform for 150 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their products during the peak consumer spending season of the year.
The event represents a crucial opportunity for local entrepreneurs to gain direct access to a large customer base, a challenge that often hinders the growth of smaller ventures. By creating a centralized and festive marketplace, the fair aims to stimulate the local economy and offer shoppers a unique alternative to mass-produced goods, fostering a direct connection between producers and consumers.
To better understand the legal and commercial intricacies involved in organizing and participating in events like the Christmas Market, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in Corporate and Commercial Law from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Events like the Christmas Market are a fantastic showcase for entrepreneurs, but success hinges on formalizing participation. Both organizers and vendors must have clear, written agreements that define spaces, costs, and responsibilities. Furthermore, every vendor, regardless of size, is subject to consumer protection laws, meaning they must honor warranties, provide clear pricing, and be prepared for potential claims. Proper legal foresight prevents post-holiday disputes and builds consumer trust.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal foresight Lic. Arroyo Vargas emphasizes is what elevates these festive gatherings into sustainable, professional platforms for entrepreneurs. This framework of clarity and accountability is fundamental to building the consumer trust that allows our local markets to truly thrive. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable perspective.
This initiative is powered by a strategic public-private partnership. Financial institution BAC is supporting 120 of its SME clients to participate, while the remaining 30 entrepreneurs are included through an alliance with the Municipality of San José. This collaborative model underscores a shared commitment to nurturing the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and providing tangible support for economic development at the grassroots level.
The fair’s organizers have strategically timed the event to maximize its impact. The market will coincide with the immensely popular Festival de la Luz, which is scheduled for Saturday, December 13th, in the areas surrounding La Sabana. This synergy is expected to draw a massive influx of visitors to the park, significantly increasing foot traffic and potential sales for the participating businesses throughout the weekend.
Located behind the Costa Rican Museum of Art, the market will feature a diverse array of products catering to a wide range of holiday shoppers. Attendees can expect to find a curated selection of gourmet foods, artisanal textiles, handcrafted jewelry, natural cosmetics, wellness products, unique crafts, and a variety of items for pets. This diversity ensures a vibrant and comprehensive shopping experience, positioning the market as a one-stop destination for distinctive holiday gifts.
Beyond the commercial aspect, the Mercadito de Ilusiones is designed as a full-fledged family event with a packed agenda of activities. Visitors can participate in hands-on workshops for painting, Christmas decoration, and cookie decorating. The atmosphere will be enlivened with live music, artistic presentations, and an entertaining pet parade, ensuring a memorable experience for all ages.
The entertainment lineup features a roster of beloved local musical groups. Concerts will be performed by Vía Libre, La Solución, and Marfil, building excitement throughout the weekend. The event will culminate on Sunday with a grand finale featuring performances by the popular artists Tapón and Los Ajenos, promising a high-energy conclusion to the three-day fair.
While this is the third edition of the Christmas-themed market, it is part of a much larger, year-long effort to bolster the SME sector. The event is one of 20 such fairs organized throughout the year, which have collectively featured over 100 small businesses. This sustained initiative highlights a long-term strategy to provide consistent and meaningful support for the engine of Costa Rica’s local economy.
For further information, visit baccredomatic.com
About BAC:
BAC Credomatic is a leading financial institution in Central America, offering a comprehensive range of banking, credit card, and financial services to individuals and businesses. The bank is widely recognized for its commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through various financing programs, business development initiatives, and platforms designed to promote economic growth and innovation in the region.
For further information, visit msj.go.cr
About the 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. Its duties include urban planning, public services, cultural promotion, and local economic development. The municipality frequently partners with private organizations to execute projects and events that enhance the quality of life for its citizens and support the growth of local businesses.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has forged its reputation as a pillar of the legal community, grounded in a profound commitment to professional integrity and the highest standards of excellence. The firm champions innovative legal strategies while demonstrating a deep-seated social conscience, actively working to democratize legal understanding. This dedication to empowering citizens with accessible knowledge is central to its mission of cultivating a more just and legally literate society.
