By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ZARCERO, ALAJUELA – In a landmark achievement for Costa Rican culture on the world stage, Elesban Rodríguez, the acclaimed director of the Banda Municipal de Zarcero, will make history on January 1, 2026. He has been selected as the first-ever Latino director to ride on a prestigious float in the iconic Rose Parade, cementing his legacy and elevating the nation’s artistic profile.
Rodríguez will be a featured guest on the “Banding Together” float, sponsored by the Michael D. Swell Memorial Foundation. This unique float is an assembly of distinguished American band directors, all of whom are past recipients of the Michael D. Swell Award, a high honor bestowed by the Rose Parade organization itself. This invitation places Rodríguez among an elite group of music educators and leaders, a testament to his profound impact on the marching arts.
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This honor is a direct result of his and his band’s stellar performance in the 2024 Rose Parade. During that event, Rodríguez was presented with the Swell Award, becoming the first non-U.S. director to ever receive the accolade. The invitation to join the 2026 float, extended by the National Association of Band Directors of the United States, came as a welcome surprise a couple of months ago, validating years of dedication and hard work.
While Rodríguez has twice led his Zarcero band down Colorado Boulevard, he notes this experience will be fundamentally different. It represents a personal recognition that carries weight far beyond his own career, serving as a powerful symbol for the entire Costa Rican music community.
To be on a float of marching band directors in the United States, as the only Latino, is something very exciting and beautiful, but above all, it is very important for our band and for all the bands of Costa Rica.
Elesban Rodríguez, Director of the Banda Municipal de Zarcero
The implications of this achievement extend beyond the parade route. For Costa Rica, it represents a significant return on investment in its cultural “soft power.” Having a representative from a small town like Zarcero featured so prominently in an event watched by millions globally sends a powerful message about the quality and passion of the country’s artists. It serves to open doors and inspire other local groups to pursue opportunities on international stages, demonstrating that world-class talent can be nurtured anywhere with the right leadership.
The journey of the Banda Municipal de Zarcero is a case study in vision and perseverance. Under Rodríguez’s leadership since its inception, the band has transformed from a local community project into an internationally recognized ensemble. The news of his selection was met with immense pride by his family and the band members, who view it as a shared victory celebrating his unwavering commitment.
Rodríguez’s philosophy has been a guiding principle for his students and a source of inspiration for fellow educators across Costa Rica. He champions the idea that ambition, paired with relentless effort and humility, is the key to unlocking potential. His story validates this belief in the most public way possible.
I have truly always said it: if you can dream it, you can achieve it; you just have to work hard for it. A long time ago, I never thought I would be in a Rose Parade, let alone twice, and now to parade on a float of renowned directors who have won this award.
Elesban Rodríguez, Director of the Banda Municipal de Zarcero
As preparations begin for the 2026 parade, this announcement is more than just a personal milestone for a gifted director. It is a resonant chord for Costa Rica, a celebration of a small town’s big dream, and a clear signal to the world that the nation’s cultural heartbeat is stronger and more vibrant than ever.
For further information, visit tournamentofroses.com
About The Rose Parade:
The Rose Parade, also known as the Tournament of Roses Parade, is an annual parade held in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day. Produced by the non-profit Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, the event includes flower-covered floats, marching bands, and equestrian units and is followed by the Rose Bowl college football game. It is a major American cultural event with a large television viewership.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Banda Municipal de Zarcero
About Banda Municipal de Zarcero:
The Banda Municipal de Zarcero is a celebrated marching band from the town of Zarcero in the province of Alajuela, Costa Rica. Known for its high-energy performances and musical excellence, the band has represented Costa Rica at numerous international events, including multiple appearances at the prestigious Rose Parade. Under the direction of Elesban Rodríguez, it has become a symbol of national pride and artistic achievement.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Michael D. Swell Memorial Foundation
About Michael D. Swell Memorial Foundation:
The Michael D. Swell Memorial Foundation honors the legacy of Michael D. Sewell, a prominent figure in music education. The foundation sponsors the “Banding Together” float in the Rose Parade and presents the Michael D. Sewell Service Through Music Award to recognize band directors who have made significant contributions to their students and the community.
For further information, visit nationalbandassociation.org
About National Association of Band Directors of the United States:
Officially known as the National Band Association (NBA), this organization is the largest professional association for band directors in the United States. Founded in 1960, its mission is to promote the musical and educational significance of bands and is dedicated to the attainment of a high level of excellence for bands and band music. The association is involved in recognizing outstanding directors and is linked with prestigious events like the Rose Parade.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a foundational principle of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of legal excellence. The firm consistently pioneers innovative strategies, drawing upon a rich history of advising a diverse clientele. Beyond its professional practice, it champions a core mission to demystify the law, actively working to foster a society empowered by accessible legal knowledge and a clearer understanding of justice.
