“In Costa Rica we can do things right, live with home and optimism”, were the words of San José mayor, Johnny Araya, at the start of the 17th edition of the Festival de la Luz in the nation’s capital.
The mayor, looking very ‘presidential’ told Josefinos (residents of San José) gathered in front of the main stage and the rest of the nation watching on television, that this is San José’s gift to them before handing over the microphone to Olympic triathlete, Leonardo Chacón, the festival’s Marshal who gave the go ahead for the floats and bands to start.
But before all eyes were up, as for more than ten minutes fireworks in La Sabana and rooftops of buildings like the Purdy Motors, the Banco Nacional and Museo de los Niños, among others, illuminated the early evening sky and the eyes of children and adults alike.
Headlining the parade this year was the bold and furiristic design of the Municipalidad de San José float, with its Greek/Roman design featuring the hosting of the 2013 games in San José.
The other floats were by the deparment store Universal, who has yet to miss one year since the first festival 17 years ago, Movistar, Banco Nacional and Samsung among others.
In total 11 floats and 14 marching bands made their way from La Sabana park to the Paseo de los Estudiantes, as several hundred thousand people line the parade route along Paseo Colon and Avenida 2. Many more saw the parade from their television set, with Repretel’c chanel 6 having the best coverage in terms of sound, lighting and ferver. At Teletica’s channel 7 the mood was somber, more of a wake than a festival, despite the attempts by humourists and television personalities.
The winning float this year went to FEMSA, the local bottled and distributor of Coca Cola products, taking a 7.9 score overall.
