Q COSTA RICA — In two weeks, on September 15, Costa Rica prepares to celebrate its 205th anniversary of independence, which includes receiving the “La Antorcha de la Independencia” (Independece Torch) at Peñas Blancas and carrying approximately 378 kilometers to Cartago, the original capital city of Costa Rica.
The massive operation brings together around 3,000 police officers, over 100 Red Cross volunteers, and numerous municipal officials. Alongside these teams, first responders take turns escorting roughly 22,000 students as they carry the torch in relays, traveling all the way from the Nicaraguan border to the heart of the country.
The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) presented the inter-institutional plan that will be implemented during the September celebrations under the slogan “Costa Rica: 205 años libres, en paz y sembrando futuro” (Costa Rica: 205 Years Free, in Peace, and Sowing the Future).
The operation aims to ensure that civic events, the Torch of Independence relay, lantern parades, and September 15th celebrations take place safely and in an orderly manner in various communities throughout the country.
“We appreciate the ongoing commitment of the institutions to the safety and well-being of the educational community and the general public,” stated Leonardo Sánchez, Minister of Education.
378 Kilometers to Carry the Flame of Independence
One of the main components of the celebrations will once again be the transfer of the Torch of Independence, which will travel approximately 378 kilometers from Peñas Blancas, on the border with Nicaragua, to the province of Cartago.
The logistics include eight primary routes, in addition to other secondary routes that will allow the Torch to reach numerous communities.
The culmination will be the arrival at the Ruins of Cartago, scheduled for September 14 at 8:00 p.m.
This moment is traditionally one of the central events of the national celebrations, preceding the official commemoration of Independence Day, on September 15.
The Torch’s journey can be followed live on September 13 and 14 through the MEP’s Antorcha Virtual tool that allowed tracking the torch’s route in real time using satellite technology on your phone, tablet, or computer.