During the upcoming Independence Day celebrations, authorities are urging increased caution on the roads. The passage of the Independence Torch through the Central Valley and lantern parades on September 14 will involve many children and young people, prompting calls for safer behavior from drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
The Traffic Police recommend that parents keep a close watch on their children, wear light or reflective clothing, and be careful when standing near roadways to watch the torch procession or participate in night parades. “Drivers should reduce their speed and understand that they will encounter congestion, delays, and closed streets,” said Martín Sánchez Agüero, Deputy Director of the Traffic Police. “They should not engage in impatient or reckless maneuvers, especially since it is a weekend.”
Sánchez Agüero also noted that some preschool educational centers will hold community parades with very young children on Friday, September 12. This will increase pedestrian presence on the roads and requires extra vigilance from all road users.
Events begin Saturday, September 13 with the entry of the Independence Torch into the country. Young people will be running along highways accompanied by many spectators watching from the roadside. The Traffic Police will escort students and participants along a 339-kilometer route from Peñas Blancas to downtown Cartago, arriving Sunday night.
On Monday, large crowds are expected in major population centers for Independence Day parades. Authorities urge drivers to respect road closures and advise pedestrians to stay on sidewalks or within designated areas where vehicles are not allowed.
Since September 15 falls on a Monday this year, creating a long holiday weekend, officials also ask for caution when traveling at both the start and end of the break.
