Q COSTA RICA — Once more, the intense heat of the Guanacaste pampas was mixed with the affection of its people where even the visitors become relatives.
Santa Cruz, for the fiftieth year, is the epicenter of the best celebrations in Costa Rica, as was demonstrated on Tuesday, January 14, during the starting flag of the Fiestas Típicas Nacionales (National Typical Festivals) in honor of the Santo Cristo de Esquipulas (Holy Christ of Esquipulas).
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With less than three hours before the first bullfights (in Costa Rica the bulls are never harmed) to take place and while the last details were being fine-tuned in the bullring filled with handkerchiefs to protect the seating, the intense heat of the pampas was mixed with the affection of its people.
The fireworks accompanied by the church bells at noon could only mean one thing: the mother of all festivals was beginning.
After the intense cries of güipipía ( a cry used to express joy) that echoed throughout the lowlands, in the distance the first horses where in sight which, despite traveling only a few blocks, made room for the bullfights of the colonial center.
As the clock struck 2:00 pm under the intense and radiant Guanacastec sun, Casemiro Contreras accompanied by marimba and music, celebrated 33 years of animating the festivities in the middle of a plaza packed with residents of Santa Cruz and visitors from different parts of the country who did not want to miss a single moment of the afternoon activities.
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Two hours later, one of the most solemn moments of the commemoration took place, the entrance of the image of Santo Cristo de Esquipulas into the temple, a moment that calmed the spirits of those present at least for a few minutes.
After the mass in honor of the patron saint of the town, came the evening horse riding, which extended until the early hours of the morning on this first day of celebration.
The people of Santa Cruz will continue this Wednesday with the procession of the image of the “Black Christ” as well as children’s activities in the Parque de los Mangos and a Eucharist at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary.
The festivities in Santa Cruz continue until Sunday, January 19.
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