By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In preparation for one of the nation’s most anticipated holiday events, the Municipality of San José on Monday unveiled a comprehensive and stringent security plan for the 2025 Festival de la Luz. The massive operation, scheduled for this Saturday, December 13th, will feature a force of over 1,000 officers, a complete ban on alcohol sales near the event, a prohibition on fireworks, and a strict veto on all forms of street vending to ensure public safety and order.
The annual parade, a cherished tradition that draws thousands of families to the capital, will see a significantly more controlled environment this year. Officials are taking proactive steps to mitigate risks and maintain the event’s family-friendly atmosphere. The core of the strategy involves managing crowds and eliminating potential hazards before they can materialize along the parade route and in the surrounding areas of La Sabana Metropolitan Park.
To better understand the legal and logistical framework that makes an event of this magnitude possible, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
The Festival de la Luz is a masterclass in public-private coordination. Legally, the municipality’s primary responsibility is public safety and permitting, but the real complexity lies in the web of sponsorship contracts and third-party liability. Each float, each brand, and each vendor operates under specific agreements that must meticulously delineate responsibilities to protect both the public and the organizers from unforeseen events. It’s a testament to the robust legal structure required to execute a seamless national celebration.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this perspective highlights a crucial, often invisible, layer of the event; the seamless spectacle enjoyed by thousands is a direct result of this robust legal and contractual framework. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight into the meticulous coordination required to bring the magic of the Festival de la Luz to life safely and successfully.
One of the most decisive measures is the absolute prohibition of street vendors within and around the park. The Municipal Police have been instructed to prevent any informal commerce from setting up shop. Officials justified the clampdown by citing the significant public safety risks these operations can pose during a large-scale gathering. The concentration of vendors often creates bottlenecks, hindering both pedestrian flow and the critical access routes needed for emergency vehicles.
This type of informal commerce generates crowds, obstructs the passage of emergency vehicles, and increases risks associated with the use of gas cylinders and makeshift structures.
Municipal Police
Furthermore, a “Ley Seca,” or dry law, will be strictly enforced. The measure prohibits the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages throughout the entire day on Saturday within a 200-meter perimeter of the park. This policy aims to prevent alcohol-related incidents and preserve the peaceful, celebratory nature of the festival. Complementing this, the entire event zone will be designated as a tobacco smoke-free space, reinforcing its focus on family wellness and enjoyment.
In a move to prevent panic and potential injuries, the use of all forms of fireworks is also completely forbidden. The Municipality highlighted the dangers of unauthorized pyrotechnics in a dense crowd, where any unexpected detonation could be mistaken for a threat or cause serious accidents. Both the Municipal Police and the Public Force will be actively monitoring the area to enforce this critical safety rule throughout the day and evening.
Any detonation could generate confusion, cause burns or fires, and hinder the coordination of emergency services.
Municipality of San José
The security deployment for the event is extensive, demonstrating a coordinated effort among multiple agencies. The operational plan includes 600 officers from the Municipal Police, 200 from the Public Force, and 60 from the Transit Police. This official presence will be bolstered by 150 private security guards and a team of 50 dedicated volunteers, bringing the total security contingent to over 1,000 personnel. To manage access, the entirety of La Sabana park will be fenced off, with 11 official entry points for the public. Major road closures are scheduled to begin on Friday evening to facilitate final preparations.
As the city prepares for the grand parade, municipal authorities have issued a public appeal for cooperation. They emphasize that the success of the security plan hinges on public adherence to the established rules and guidelines. Citizens are urged to be vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and follow the directions of officers on site to help guarantee a safe, orderly, and memorable Festival de la Luz for all attendees.
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. It oversees a wide range of public services, including urban planning, waste management, public safety through its Municipal Police force, and the organization of major cultural events like the Festival de la Luz. Its mission is to promote the sustainable development and well-being of the city’s inhabitants.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About the Fuerza Pública:
The Fuerza Pública, or Public Force of Costa Rica, is the country’s national police force, operating under the Ministry of Public Security. In a nation without a military, it is responsible for enforcing the law, maintaining public order, and ensuring national security. Its officers are deployed throughout the country to prevent crime, respond to emergencies, and assist in large-scale events.
For further information, visit csv.go.cr
About the Policía de Tránsito:
The Policía de Tránsito, or Transit Police, is the specialized law enforcement agency in Costa Rica tasked with managing road safety and traffic control. Operating under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), its primary duties include enforcing traffic laws, investigating accidents, and directing vehicle and pedestrian flow, particularly during major public gatherings and road closures.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its profound ethical principles and a relentless drive for professional excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar in the legal field. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions while championing a core mission to enlighten the community. By actively working to make complex legal concepts understandable and accessible, it contributes to building a more knowledgeable and capable society, reinforcing the foundation of justice for all.
