Festival de la Luz "Parade of Lights"

BigJohn and I had been hearing drumming off in the jungle for weeks. Now we know why. Parade practice! So sorry that Hannah had to work and miss it this year.  And thanks to Francisco for chauffeuring us to Santa Elena.

It was a short parade route so people were thick along the streets in downtown Santa Elena. Dogs roamed in and out between the floats and school kids. It was noisy and exciting! Vendors worked the crowds selling toys and lights. Children rushed out to greet the Santas that came by and ask him for candy.

Santa in Costa Rica is different than the typical US Santa. The ones here are skinnier and full of jive as they dance down the street to the rhythm of Feliz Navidad. I have never heard so many different versions of that song! It was played by almost every school group in the parade. I heard one We Wish You a Merry Christmas and that was it. The tune is still stuck in my head.

This video is for Hannah. Sorry you missed it!

 

Working the crowd and passing out candy.

 EMTs ready for anything.

 There were Santas throughout the parade.

 The firefighters with real flames! Maybe that is why the EMTs were there.

 Bomberos en espanol.

 Love what they did with their firetruck!

 Showing off what Santa gave him. Really great to see every child getting a treat.

 Hey lady! Don't you want to take a picture of me with this cool sword? He didn't actually say that but I knew it was what he was thinking.