PHOTOS: Carlos Alvarado is sworn in as Costa Rica’s 48th president

It’s official: Carlos Alvarado is Costa Rica’s 48th president, and the youngest in modern Costa Rican history.

Visibly moved as he received the presidential sash from Luis Guillermo Solís, Alvarado, 38, delivered an inaugural address in which he called on the crowd gathered at the Plaza de la Democracia in downtown San José to reflect on the fact that when Costa Rica attained its independence in 1821, its population was only 65,000, equivalent today to a single canton such as Tibás or Liberia.

During the “administration of the Bicentennial… we must be leaders who are true to our past,” he said.

Alvarado discussed climate change mitigation, job creation, and tax reform in his speech. This afternoon, the president will hold bilateral meetings with visiting heads of state before a celebratory concert at the Plaza de la Democracia at 4 pm.

Stay tuned for more of our coverage of Costa Rica’s Inauguration Day.

Soon-to-be First Lady Claudia Dobles and President Carlos Alvarado approach the stage at the inauguration. Alexander Villegas / The Tico Times

First Lady Mercedes Peñas (left, in white) looks on as President Solís greets President-elect Alvarado. To Alvarado's right, Legislative Assembly President Carolina Hidalgo greets Alvarado's wife, Claudia Dobles. Jonathan Jiménez / The Tico Times

Legislative Assembly President Carolina Hidalgo adjusts the presidential sash on Carlos Alvarado. Elizabeth Lang / The Tico Times

Luis Guillermo Solís acknowledges the new president. Elizabeth Lang / The Tico Times

President Alvarado was visibly moved as he assumed the presidency. Alexander Villegas / The Tico Times

Alexander Villegas / The Tico Times

President Alvarado delivers his inaugural address. Jonathan Jiménez / The Tico Times