PHOTOS: Lantern parade and torch kick off Costa Rica Independence Day festivities

Hundreds of children and their families visited Parque Central in San José to watch the arrival of the independence torch on Monday. The torch, which has been traveling through Central America, made its way to the colonial capital of Cartago, east of San José, on Monday, a day before Costa Rica celebrates 194 years of independence. The activity also included the traditional desfile de faroles, where kids show off their creativity in designing their own lanterns.