Opposition candidate Villalta draws thousands to final San José rally

Thousands of spectators crowded San José’s Central Park Friday night to support Broad Front Party candidate José María Villalta’s official closing of his 2014 electoral campaign, 8 days before voters head to the polls.

A sea of yellow shirts and flags – the Broad Front’s signature color – spilled into Avenida Segunda, with artists, TV personalities, and people of all ages turning out for an event that culminated with a fiery speech from Villalta and a performance by popular Latin folk band Cantoamérica.

Broad Front Party President Patricia Mora – whose recent interview with the daily La Nación sparked controversy after she said her party would move to control national news media if elected – said that “we are living a magical moment,” referring to a swelling of support for the party in recent months.

Villalta hammered home a message that has resonated with many voters disenchanted with the entrenched ruling National Liberation Party and its image of cronyism. The 36-year-old candidate and San José lawmaker promised to support social initiatives for the gay community, the elderly and the disabled, fight growing social inequality in the country, and end 30 years of “neoliberalism.”

Following are snapshots of the night.