QCOSTARICA – The Comisión de Fiestas de San José took the decision not to allow megabars this year at the Zapote fairgrounds, during the traditional year end celebrations that kicked off on Christmas day.
The megabars were a favourite. In the past they included a dance area to accommodate hundreds, plus entertainment, concerts and an open bar. And lots of noise.
And it’s that noise that got the residents of Curridabat, who complained about the excessive noise.
David Venegas, president of the Comisión de Fiestas de San José, explained that the objective this year is to get along with the residents and “avoiding conflicts, such as fights and theft” which are common to the megabars.
The Asociación de Chinameros de Curridabat, the organization that organizes events in the area outside the Zapote Fair, also adopted the measure. Johnny Quesada, president of the Chimaneros, said “the people (patrons) no longer want to pay to enter such places”.
Quesada explained that the megabar is “out of fashion”, few people are willing to pay an entry fee to enter a bar.
“There is no economic loss by this decision,” said Quesada.
Regular bars are still part of the Zapote festivities, that also include rides, food stands and the bull ring.
The cost to operate the 10 day event includes clean up services, private security in addition to the 160 officials of the Municipal police, and the cost of laboratory analysis of food samples to ensure health measures are met.
Last year, the Zapote Fair gave the Municipalidad de San Jose a ¢196 million colones profit.
The Zapote Fair runs until New Year’s Day.
