Heading to a costume party, a beach bash or a masquerade parade this Saturday? Expect to see more police than usual. Costa Rica’s national police are stepping up patrols across our country for Halloween and they will concentrate on the places where crowds gather. The Public Security Ministry said officers will focus on cemeteries, churches, shopping centers and the streets around bars hosting costume parties.
The goal is to prevent vandalism, spot unauthorized parties and head off trouble at large gatherings. When the national police first outlined the plan, it said it would deploy 1,500 officers from today through Sunday. The ministry’s latest statement, issued yesterday, did not give a number of officers.
Because halloween falls on a Saturday, many parties start Friday night, and that three-day window is meant to cover them. Why cemeteries and churches? Police said incidents in past years, including vandalism and rituals at cemeteries, are the reason officers will patrol them through the weekend. César AnchÃa, deputy director general of the national police, outlined the weekend operations.
If you’re going out, expect police at the party too. Themed Halloween events and other mass gatherings will see preventive checks and patrols at venues and meeting points. Part of the aim is to catch parties held without permits. Shopping centers, which draw families in costume on Halloween, are also on the patrol list.
If you’re driving, watch for the Caravana del Payaso, or Clown Caravan, a Halloween ride that draws hundreds of motorcyclists. Police will watch the route and the gathering points, and the ministry said highway patrols are meant to prevent crashes. Give riders room and allow extra time where the caravan passes.
Taking kids trick-or-treating? Police are asking parents to stay with their children and keep them in sight the whole time they go door to door. Before you head home, make sure the car you get into is the ride you actually booked. Lat night, the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) said it had detained four men suspected of drugging and robbing people outside bars and nightclubs in San José.
According to the OIJ, one of the suspects allegedly posed as the ride-hailing driver victims had requested, then offered them drinks laced with a sedative. Investigators said other members of the group then withdrew cash and moved money out of victims’ accounts and spent it on goods and services, including fuel.
Saturday is also Costa Rica’s National Masquerade Day, when towns celebrate with giant-headed mascareros, cimarrona bands and dancing in the streets. Police said those community events fall under the same security operation. In beach towns, Halloween runs all weekend. Tamarindo has costume surfing, parades and beach parties on the calendar. Big crowds also draw thieves, so keep valuables with you and out of parked cars, where a rental can be emptied in minutes. In an emergency, call 911.
Halloween has grown steadily in Costa Rica alongside our own masquerade tradition, blending a centuries-old holiday with local customs. Authorities are betting that a visible police presence will keep this year’s celebrations safe for everyone who takes part.
