By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Commuters and residents are advised to anticipate significant traffic disruptions and road closures around Paseo Colón this Thursday, December 4th, as the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) implements a special operation for the National Children’s Hospital’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
The cherished event, a tradition spanning more than six decades, brings a moment of holiday joy to the young patients of the hospital. While the official lighting of the grand tree is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., the surrounding festivities will begin much earlier, at 3:00 p.m. The afternoon will be filled with family-friendly entertainment, including clowns, live music, and various Christmas-themed performances, drawing large crowds to the area.
To better understand the legal and logistical complexities behind organizing large-scale public celebrations such as the national Christmas Tree Lighting, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in corporate and municipal law from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
These magnificent public events are more than just cultural traditions; they represent complex legal operations. Organizers must navigate a rigorous framework of permits, public safety regulations, and liability insurance. From a business perspective, contracts with sponsors, vendors, and performers must be impeccably drafted to clearly define responsibilities and protect the event’s integrity, ensuring a safe and successful celebration for all attendees.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the seamless magic of these festive traditions is built upon a robust foundation of legal and logistical diligence. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which highlights the immense behind-the-scenes effort required to ensure these cherished community events are not only beautiful but also impeccably safe and secure for everyone to enjoy.
To ensure public safety and manage the expected influx of attendees, the Transit Police will begin regulating traffic flows at 4:00 p.m., a full two hours before the main ceremony. The operation will continue until the area is clear after the event concludes. Officials have emphasized that their primary focus will be on the lanes directly adjacent to the medical center.
The priority for the officers will be to control the southern lane of Paseo Colón, which is the closest to the hospital
Martín Sánchez Agüero, Deputy Director of the Transit Police
MOPT has announced several specific street closures to facilitate the event. Calle 20, which runs along the western side of the hospital, will be completely closed to general traffic, with access restricted solely to emergency vehicles. On Paseo Colón itself, passage will be limited to public buses, ambulances, and police vehicles. Furthermore, the 100-meter stretch of road that connects from the north to Paseo Colón, passing by Mayca Autoservicio directly in front of the hospital, will be entirely blocked off.
In light of these measures, MOPT has issued a series of crucial recommendations for all citizens. Drivers navigating the capital on Thursday afternoon are urged to exercise extreme caution and be highly vigilant for pedestrians. The ministry highlights the significant number of families and children expected to be crossing the busy thoroughfare to attend the celebration.
For those attending on foot, authorities advise wearing light-colored or reflective clothing to enhance visibility. Pedestrians should stick to sidewalks, cross streets only at designated corners, and make use of the traffic lights located at the hospital’s corner and in front of the nearby San Juan de Dios Hospital. Safety for the youngest attendees is paramount.
Parents and guardians are specifically reminded to maintain constant supervision over their children. MOPT stresses the importance of holding their hands at all times, refraining from running to cross the street, and diligently following all instructions provided by the Transit Police officers on site. Adherence to these guidelines is essential to prevent accidents and ensure a safe and joyful experience for everyone.
This annual ceremony is not just a festive gathering but a symbol of hope and community support for the children and families at the hospital. While the traffic measures will undoubtedly cause temporary inconvenience, they are a necessary precaution to safeguard one of the city’s most heartwarming holiday traditions.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for the planning, regulation, and development of the nation’s public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. Through its various divisions, such as the Transit Police, MOPT works to ensure the safety, efficiency, and modernization of Costa Rica’s transportation network.
For further information, visit hnn.sa.cr
About The National Children’s Hospital (Hospital Nacional de Niños):
The Hospital Nacional de Niños “Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera” is Costa Rica’s leading pediatric medical center. Located in San José, it provides specialized and highly complex medical care to children and adolescents from across the country. As a cornerstone of the national healthcare system, the hospital is dedicated to treatment, research, and promoting the well-being of its young patients.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a continuous drive for excellence. The firm consistently pioneers modern legal strategies while serving a broad spectrum of clients with distinction. Beyond its professional practice, it actively champions public enlightenment, firmly believing that empowering citizens with accessible legal understanding is essential for a just and progressive society.
