San José Festival of Light Parade on 12 December 2026
San José's Festival de la Luz parade runs on Saturday, 12 December, on a new route with giant balloons and no floats. What US visitors need to know. The post San José Festival of Light Parade on 12 December 2026 appeared first on The Rio Times .
San José hosts its annual Festival de la Luz, or Festival of Light, on 12 December 2026. This year's parade will follow a new route from Plaza de la Democracia west to Torre Mercedes on Paseo Colón. Instead of floats, giant inflatable balloons will be featured alongside marching bands. Six public institutions withdrew from the parade, citing political reasons, which led to the change in format.
The municipality of San José, organized the festival, and traffic lights and overhead cables on Paseo Colón may pose challenges for the large balloons. Twelve bands auditioned for the parade, including the 2025 winner, Banda CEDES Don Bosco, and municipal bands from Alajuela, Zarcero, and Tibás. The parade will start at Plaza de la Democracia and end at Torre Mercedes, passing through the heart of the city.
US citizens need a passport and return ticket for their visit, and they should be cautious of petty and violent crime. The festival is expected to be a free event, but road closures and viewing areas will be announced later.
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