HomeTopicsArts and CultureRiders, Traditions, and Festivities: Costa Rica's Annual Tope Parade in San José

Riders, Traditions, and Festivities: Costa Rica’s Annual Tope Parade in San José

Costa Rica’s annual holiday tope, or horse parade, takes place on Dec. 26 along San José’s Second Avenue and Paseo Colón.

Thousands of riders and their equine companions came from different corners of Costa Rica to show off their best riding styles, saddles and outfits. Ticos lined the streets decked out in cowboy hats, jeans and boots to watch the spectacle. Many brought beach chairs, stools, food and drinks to comfortably enjoy the four-hour parade.

Here’s a look in photos:

Trending Now

Lufthansa to Drop Costa Rica Route in 2027 as Sister Airline Adds More Flights

German airline Lufthansa will stop operating its flights to Costa Rica in December 2027, but travelers will not lose the connection to Europe. Instead,...

Costa Rica Reopens Cambronero Highway After Nearly Two-Months

Costa Rica has reopened the Cambronero section of Route 1, restoring an important highway connection between the Central Valley and the Pacific coast after...

Usher Returns to Costa Rica and Shares Photos of Guanacaste Getaway

Eight-time Grammy Award winner Usher has returned to Costa Rica, spending several days enjoying the beaches, tropical scenery, and luxury resorts of Guanacaste before...

Costa Rica Plans Blue Zone Seal and Wellness Tourism Push for Nicoya

Costa Rica plans an official Blue Zone seal and three Nicoya wellness tourism products by 2028, plus new care for centenarians.

Heading Out for Halloween in Costa Rica? Expect More Police on Patrol

Costa Rica police will patrol cemeteries, churches, bars and costume parties this Halloween weekend. Here's what to expect if you're heading out Oct. 31.

For First Time, Costa Rica Votes Against UN Call to End US Embargo on Cuba

Costa Rica voted against the annual United Nations resolution calling on the United States to lift its economic embargo on Cuba, the first time...

For the First Time, Women Lead All Three Branches of Costa Rica’s Government

Patricia Vargas's election as Supreme Court president means women lead all three branches of Costa Rica's government.

El Niño Squeeze on the Panama Canal Could Raise Costa Rica Import Costs

Drought at the Panama Canal could raise costs for Costa Rica's corn, soy and wheat imports, trade experts say.

Costa Rica Drops Bid to Join Pacific Trade Pact and Fires Its Trade Minister

Costa Rica drops its bid to join the CPTPP and fires its trade minister, citing secrecy over the deal and risks to ranchers and dairy farmers.
Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel