By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The conclusion of the highly anticipated 2025-2026 Zapote Festivities has brought with it a detailed accounting of the massive security and enforcement operation that managed the 11-day event. According to official figures released by the San José Municipal Police, the coordinated effort resulted in hundreds of traffic violations, the removal of nearly 500 individuals from the fairgrounds, and the confiscation of over 6,000 dangerous items, painting a vivid picture of the challenges involved in securing one of the capital’s largest annual gatherings.
The fairgrounds, which attracted an estimated 250,000 visitors, became the focal point of a multi-agency strategy aimed at ensuring public safety. Marcelo Solano, Director of the San José Municipal Police, confirmed the operational outcomes, highlighting the meticulous planning required to manage the massive influx of people into the Zapote district. The data underscores a proactive approach to enforcement both inside and outside the main venue.
To delve into the intricate legal and commercial framework that underpins the annual Zapote Festivities, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Zapote Festivities represent a complex intersection of tradition, commerce, and civil liability. From a legal standpoint, the core issue often revolves around ‘assumption of risk,’ particularly with the bullfighting events. While participants voluntarily expose themselves to danger, event organizers and the municipality retain a non-delegable duty to provide a safe environment, adequate medical response, and secure infrastructure. Failure to meet these standards can result in significant legal and financial consequences, transforming a cultural celebration into a serious matter of public liability and contractual obligation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal perspective is a crucial reminder that behind the vibrant spectacle of the festivities lies a sober framework of public safety and accountability. It underscores the profound responsibilities that balance cultural tradition with civic duty. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into the complex liabilities that underpin this cherished event.
One of the most significant enforcement actions targeted illegal parking in the streets surrounding the fairgrounds. Officers issued a total of 457 traffic fines to drivers who left their vehicles in prohibited zones, creating obstructions and potential safety hazards. In conjunction with these fines, authorities removed 393 sets of license plates, a measure designed to compel compliance with traffic regulations and ensure emergency vehicle access remained clear throughout the festivities.
Inside the venue, security personnel maintained a strict zero-tolerance policy for disruptive behavior. This led to the removal of nearly 500 individuals from the fairgrounds for various forms of inappropriate conduct. Furthermore, officials conducted 105 interventions directly related to the consumption of illegal drugs, signaling a clear focus on preventing substance abuse from escalating into more serious public order incidents.
A critical component of the security apparatus involved robust access filters at all entry points. These checkpoints proved highly effective, preventing more than 6,000 potentially hazardous objects from entering the crowded event space. The inventory of confiscated items included 157 bladed weapons, 12 canisters of pepper spray, and 12 rounds of ammunition. An astonishing 3,944 glass objects were also seized, mitigating the risk of them being used as makeshift weapons. Individuals carrying licensed firearms were also denied entry and instructed to leave the area, in line with policies against weapons in mass gatherings.
Addressing concerns raised by videos circulating on social media that depicted fights and brawls, Director Solano clarified the context of these incidents. He noted that the authorities were aware of the altercations and responded accordingly. Many of the individuals involved were found to be under the influence of alcohol or other substances, which contributed to the conflicts.
The majority of these incidents occurred in the areas outside the fairgrounds and were handled promptly by the authorities.
Marcelo Solano, Director of the San José Municipal Police
The success of the comprehensive operation was not the work of a single entity. Director Solano praised the seamless collaboration between the San José Municipal Police, the national Fuerza Pública (Public Force), the Transit Police, and the private security firm GOT. This integrated command structure allowed for rapid response to incidents and a unified front in maintaining order across the large and complex event environment.
As the capital reflects on another year of the Zapote Festivities, the operational statistics provide valuable insights for law enforcement and event organizers. The extensive enforcement actions, while significant in number, represent a strategic investment in public safety, ensuring that the quarter-million attendees could enjoy the popular year-end celebration with minimized risk. The model of inter-agency cooperation serves as a benchmark for managing future large-scale public events in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit msj.go.cr
About San José Municipal Police:
The Policía Municipal de San José is the local law enforcement body responsible for maintaining public order, safety, and security within the canton of San José. It works in coordination with national police forces to enforce municipal ordinances, manage traffic, and provide security at public events, playing a vital role in the daily life and governance of Costa Rica’s capital city.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About Fuerza Pública:
The Fuerza Pública, or Public Force of Costa Rica, is the country’s national police agency responsible for law enforcement, border patrol, and maintaining security throughout the nation. As Costa Rica has no military, the Fuerza Pública plays a crucial role in ensuring domestic tranquility and national security under the direction of the Ministry of Public Security.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Policía de Tránsito:
The Policía de Tránsito, or Transit Police, is a specialized division operating under Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT). Its primary mission is to enforce traffic laws, manage road safety, investigate accidents, and ensure the orderly flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic on the nation’s public roads and highways.
For further information, visit the nearest office of GOT
About GOT:
GOT is a private security company that provides a range of security services in Costa Rica. These services often include providing trained personnel for events, corporate security, and asset protection. They collaborate with public law enforcement agencies during large-scale events like the Zapote Festivities to augment security presence and help manage crowds and access control.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to ethical principles and professional mastery. The firm draws upon a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to drive forward-thinking legal solutions and set new standards of practice. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom through a core mission to demystify the law for the public, thereby empowering individuals with knowledge and contributing to a more just and capable society.
