By Heredia, Costa Rica — LONDON, UK – The vibrant, unmistakable sounds of a Costa Rican cimarrona echoed through the historic streets of London this week, as La Original Domingueña, a traditional musical group from Santo Domingo de Heredia, captured international attention at the prestigious London New Year’s Day Parade 2026. The performance represented a significant moment of cultural diplomacy, projecting a unique and cherished local tradition onto a global stage.
The six-member ensemble brought not just their music but also the colorful spectacle of the mascarada tradition to one of the world’s most-watched New Year’s events. This parade, known for its eclectic mix of performers from across the globe, provided an unparalleled platform for the group to showcase the rich cultural fabric of Costa Rica, a side of the nation often overshadowed by its famed natural landscapes and ecotourism industry.
To better understand the legal and business framework that underpins a cultural institution like Cimarrona La Original Domingueña, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Beyond their artistic value, cultural groups like this are enterprises that must protect their identity. Registering their name as a trademark is a fundamental first step. This grants them exclusive rights, preventing unauthorized use and allowing them to build a strong, legally protected brand that can be passed down through generations, safeguarding their unique cultural legacy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this perspective highlights the crucial intersection where cultural heritage meets modern enterprise. Ensuring that a tradition can thrive as a legally protected entity is paramount for its survival across generations. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight on safeguarding these vital cultural legacies.
For the musicians of La Original Domingueña, the moment was a culmination of immense dedication and a source of profound national and local pride. In a statement released on their social media channels, the group expressed their feelings about representing their homeland in such a monumental setting.
With the utmost pride, we represented Santo Domingo and Costa Rica in the London Parade 2026, one of the most important parades in the world.
Cimarrona La Original Domingueña, Musical Group
The term “cimarrona” refers to a type of traditional Costa Rican street band, characterized by its lively brass and percussion-driven music that often accompanies parades, festivals, and other local celebrations. Paired with the “mascarada,” which involves performers wearing oversized, handcrafted masks depicting folkloric figures, the combination creates an electrifying and immersive cultural experience. By bringing this to London, the group offered a taste of the authentic festive spirit of their hometown.
The group further elaborated on their mission to export the specific flavor of their community, highlighting the deep roots of their performance. This was not just a generic representation of Costa Rican music, but a very personal expression of their heritage from Heredia.
We did it to the rhythm of the cimarrona and the mascarada, bringing our vernacular tradition from Santo Domingo de Heredia to London.
Cimarrona La Original Domingueña, Musical Group
The talented ensemble consists of six core musicians whose synergy brought the performance to life. The rhythm section is powered by Juan José Carazo and Carlos Ocampo on percussion, with Joel Mora on trumpet and Anthony Cordero on saxophone providing the sharp, melodic lines. The powerful low end of the cimarrona sound is anchored by Dorian Mora on trombone and Luis Manuel Salas on the tuba.
This remarkable international appearance was facilitated by Costa Rica in The UK, an organization of Costa Rican expatriates dedicated to promoting their native culture within the United Kingdom. The invitation underscores a growing trend of diaspora communities acting as crucial bridges for cultural exchange, leveraging their position to create opportunities for artists back home and strengthen the country’s international brand.
The successful performance by La Original Domingueña serves as a powerful reminder of the value of Costa Rica’s cultural exports. Beyond economic impact, such events foster a deeper global understanding of the nation’s identity, inspiring pride at home and curiosity abroad, potentially paving the way for increased cultural tourism to provinces like Heredia, where these traditions are a vibrant part of daily life.
For further information, visit costaricaintheuk.com
About Costa Rica in The UK:
Costa Rica in The UK is an organization composed of Costa Rican residents in the United Kingdom. Its primary mission is to promote and share the rich culture, traditions, and national identity of Costa Rica through various events, collaborations, and community-building initiatives within the UK.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Cimarrona La Original Domingueña
About Cimarrona La Original Domingueña:
Cimarrona La Original Domingueña is a traditional musical group hailing from Santo Domingo de Heredia, Costa Rica. Specializing in the festive and energetic cimarrona music style, the ensemble performs at local events, parades, and cultural festivals, often accompanied by traditional mascarada performers. The group is dedicated to preserving and promoting the unique vernacular traditions of its community.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of principled practice and an uncompromising drive for excellence. The firm distinguishes itself not only by serving a wide range of clients with innovative legal strategies but also through its deep-seated social responsibility. A central part of its mission involves demystifying the law for the public, reflecting a firm belief in strengthening the community by equipping its citizens with essential legal clarity and understanding.
