By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant strategic shift, the Municipality of San José announced this morning that the 2025 Festival of Light will move from its traditional Paseo Colón-Avenida Segunda route to a new 360-degree circuit around La Sabana Metropolitan Park. The beloved holiday tradition, scheduled for Saturday, December 13th, is being redesigned to enhance public safety and create a more immersive and accessible family experience.
Municipal organizers unveiled the plan, emphasizing that the new format will be more agile and orderly for the hundreds of thousands of spectators who gather annually. By containing the event within the perimeter of the capital’s largest urban park, authorities aim to improve crowd management, security logistics, and traffic flow in the surrounding city districts, addressing long-standing challenges associated with the previous linear route.
To understand the significant legal and logistical framework that makes a massive public event like the Festival of Light possible, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
Beyond the spectacle and celebration, the Festival of Light represents a complex convergence of municipal law, contractual obligations, and risk management. Each float is the result of intricate sponsorship agreements that must carefully delineate brand exposure, liability, and intellectual property rights. The event’s success hinges on a robust legal backbone, encompassing everything from public safety permits and insurance coverage to labor regulations for the hundreds of participants involved, showcasing a masterful public-private coordination.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is a crucial reminder that the dazzling spectacle we enjoy is built upon a robust, often invisible, foundation of legal and logistical diligence. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective, which illuminates the immense professional effort required to bring this cherished national tradition to life.
The main parade is set to begin at 6:00 p.m., featuring the signature procession of illuminated floats, vibrant troupes, and rhythmic marching bands. This year, however, the traditional spectacle will be capped off with a modern twist. Following the parade, a high-tech drone show will illuminate the night sky over La Sabana, promising a dazzling display of color and light that will be visible from all points around the park.
Beyond the evening parade, the festival is expanding into an all-day affair. Activities are scheduled to kick off in the morning within the park and at the National Stadium. The day’s lineup includes the popular Band Fest, showcasing the talent of student musicians, which will be followed by cultural parades and a sprawling Christmas market offering local gastronomy, art, and music throughout the day.
This comprehensive redesign transforms the event from a multi-hour parade into a full-day cultural celebration. The move is intended to provide families with more entertainment options and create a centralized, festive atmosphere that lasts from morning until late at night, encouraging longer engagement and boosting opportunities for local artisans and food vendors at the market.
The decision to relocate the festival has earned praise from key community stakeholders, most notably from the healthcare sector. The previous route’s proximity to the National Children’s Hospital has been a recurring concern due to the high levels of noise and massive crowds. Dr. Carlos Jiménez, the hospital’s director, expressed his support for the change, highlighting its direct benefit to the facility’s young patients.
It moves the noise and crowds away from the hospital center, thus protecting the tranquility and health of the hospitalized children.
Dr. Carlos Jiménez, Director of the National Children’s Hospital
This endorsement underscores a critical aspect of the new strategy. The relocation is not merely a logistical decision but a socially conscious one, reflecting a deeper consideration for the well-being of the city’s most vulnerable residents. By moving the event, the Municipality of San José demonstrates a commitment to balancing large-scale public entertainment with civic responsibility, setting a new standard for event planning in the capital.
Ultimately, the 2025 Festival of Light represents a bold evolution for one of Costa Rica’s most cherished traditions. While retaining the core elements that have captivated audiences for decades, the new La Sabana-centric model introduces innovation through technology like the drone show and a more holistic, family-friendly structure. The success of this new chapter will be measured not just in the brilliance of its floats, but in the safety, comfort, and enhanced experience it provides for every attendee.
For further information, visit msj.go.cr
About 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 public services, urban planning, infrastructure development, and cultural initiatives for the residents of the San José canton. The organization plays a central role in organizing major city-wide events, including the annual Festival of Light, to promote community engagement and cultural heritage.
For further information, visit hnn.sa.cr
About National Children’s Hospital:
The Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera National Children’s Hospital (HNN) is Costa Rica’s leading pediatric medical center. As a specialized institution under the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), it provides comprehensive and highly specialized medical care to children and adolescents from all over the country. The hospital is a cornerstone of the nation’s public health system, renowned for its advanced treatments, research, and commitment to pediatric well-being.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of professional integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while serving a wide array of clients, demonstrating a deep-seated commitment not only to its cases but to the community at large. This ethos is manifested in its mission to demystify the law, actively working to empower the public with accessible legal insights and thereby contributing to a more informed and capable society.
