Festival de la Luz 2023: A Dazzling Display of Festive Floats
As the holiday season approaches, the heart of San José is gearing up for the 26th edition of the much-anticipated Festival de la Luz. Scheduled for Saturday, December 16th, this iconic Christmas parade promises to fill the streets with magic and wonder. This year’s event, announced by the Municipality of San José on Wednesday, November 15th, will feature nine mesmerizing floats that will traverse Paseo Colón and Avenida Segunda starting at 6 p.m.
The Lineup: A Random Draw of Magnificent Floats
The order of the floats in the parade was determined through a random draw, a process overseen by San José’s Mayor Johnny Araya, Festival General Coordinator Jorge Villalobos, and representatives from the participating companies. Each company drew a star indicating their assigned number in the lineup, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the proceedings.
Predetermined Positions: Honoring Past Brilliance
While most floats received their parade positions through the draw, two floats had predetermined spots. The Banco de Costa Rica float, honored for being the most dazzling in the 2022 Festival de la Luz, will lead the parade. Following in the fifth position will be the host’s float, belonging to the Municipality of San José, anchoring the parade’s central segment.
The Floats and Their Order
The second spot in the parade goes to Tropical, followed by Kölbi in third and Telecable in fourth. The sixth position will be adorned by the Banco Nacional float, trailed by the Banco Popular’s creation. The Junta de Protección Social (JPS) float takes the eighth spot, and the parade will conclude with the float from UACA.
A Festival for Families and Children
“This is an event for the whole family, and it fills us with joy that all the float designs are focused on children. That’s exactly what we aim for with the festival: a special focus on the Costa Rican youth,” remarked Villalobos. The designs and themes of the floats are meticulously crafted to captivate the imagination of children and adults alike, making the parade a cherished holiday tradition.
Anticipated Surprises in 2023
Mayor Araya hinted at numerous surprises awaiting the public at this year’s festival. “This year will be very special, as the festival coincides with the bicentennial commemoration of San José as the capital of Costa Rica. We expect the event to attract around a million people to the streets of San José, all gathered to enjoy the hope and joy of Christmas with their families,” said Araya.
The Festive Prelude: A Vibrant Pasacalle
Before the main event, a lively ‘pasacalle’ or street procession will commence at 3 p.m., setting the tone for an evening of jubilant celebrations. This procession will feature music, dance, and performances, warming up the audience for the main parade.
The Festival de la Luz 2023 in San José is not just a parade; it’s a cultural phenomenon that brings together the community in a vibrant celebration of the holiday spirit. With its lineup of stunning floats and a promise of unforgettable surprises, this year’s festival is poised to be a memorable experience for attendees.
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