As of 9 p.m. this Wednesday some of the streets in downtown San Jose will be closed partially in preparation for the traditional Festival de la Luz, (Festival of Light or Parade of Light).
The partial closure will be on place from 9 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13 through 5 a.m. on Thursday, December 14 and again at 9 p.m. Thursday through 5 a.m. Friday.
On Saturday, the area close to Paseo Colon and La Sabana in the entrance to Route 27 will be closed starting at 12 a.m. and through Sunday at 6 a.m.
The Municipality of San Jose commented today during a press conference that the event will have the presence of 1100 police officers between Fuerza Publica and the Municipality Police, and it will also have the support of traffic police.
The Festival de la Luz 2017 will begin at the Gimnasio Nacional (National Gymnasium), and will continue towards the Art Museum, moving through Paseo Colon,the Avenida Segunda (Second Avenue) and finishing at the entrance of the Barrio Chino (China Town).
This year the Municipality along with the assistance of private companies invested in insurance policies for a total of US$3.7 million that will cover those that are part of the event as well as the attending audience.
“We want everyone to enjoy this year. For this reason we have insurance policies that will cover everyone at the festival. We want to be safe and to make this one the best festival so far”, stated major of San Jose, Johnny Araya.
“We want to invite all the families to go to the Festival. We hope that they take what’s necessary to protect themselves from the cold and even in the event of rain, those that arrive on Friday, there will be security in the area, but take care of each other, make sure to keep an eye on children, hydrate and take everything you need to guarantee your safety”, expressed Juan José Andrade, vice-Minister of Security.
The Festival de la Luz is a parade that includes different illuminated floats, bands, performers and cheerleading groups, the event is shown live on Chanel 7 and Chanel 6. The event begins at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 16 with different entertainment activities, but the parade begins at 6 p.m.
