Avenida Escazú kicks off Christmas season

Equipped with wooly hats and gloves, hundreds of people braved the chilly (by Costa Rican standards) weather Saturday for Avenida Escazú shopping center’s inaugural Christmas parade, southwest of San José. 

Families in attendance were treated to music from two high school marching bands as well as performances from numerous dance groups.  Clowns in Santa hats and Disney mascots lined the streets during the march, which culminated in an epic entrance by Santa Claus.

The jolly gift-giver ziplined over the street on a cable suspended between two buildings, then repelled down onto the street in a sea of applause.  Santa and Mrs. Claus then took the stage for the lighting of the shopping center’s Christmas tree, which was followed by a fireworks show.

“Avenida Escazú wanted people from around San José to have the opportunity to enjoy this time with their families,” said the event’s organizer, Francisco Valma. “It is a great opportunity to kick off the Christmas season.”

Six different groups from around the Escazú and San José area participated in the parade, including the Special Olympics of Costa Rica and Danceworks, a local dance studio.