Police, Traffic Police And Cruz Roja Will Be Ensuring A Safe Visit To The Zapote Fair And Tope Nacional
December 23rd, 2009 | by admin |
In two days the year end parties begin around San José and it will be up to the officers of the Fuerza Pública (police), the Policía de Tránsito (traffic police) to ensure safety and security and the to the personnel of the Cruz Roja (Red Cross) and Bomberos (fire department) to respond to emergencies for the hundreds of thousands that will be taking part in the Zapote Fair and the Festejos Populares de San José.
At noon on Christmas Day, Zapote comes to life, as the annual fear plays hosts to those looking for entertainment, traditional fast food, the megabars and of course, the bulls.
The annual event attracts visitors from all over the country and tourists.
On Sunday, December 27, Paseo Colón and Avendida Segunda shuts down to vehicular traffic to host the Tope Nacional, the annual horse parade in downtown San José.
Raúl Rivera, regional director of the Fuerza Pública de San José, said that more than 200 police officers will be assigned to the Zapote fair, working in two 12 hour shifts.
Rivera added that police officials will be stationed at the points of entry. Even though entry to the fair is free, unlike other years, there are specific points of entry and exit to control the entry of firearms and other weapons on the fair grounds.
The police director is asking parents to keep a strict eye on their children. Lost children are always a hearbreaking situation for both the police and the Cruz Roja.
The Cruz Roja suggests that parents dress their children with a bracelet with the child’s name and emergency contact.
Both Cruz Roja and Fuerza Pública officials recommend an afternoon visit for those with children and avoid being in the park with children after 8pm.
Germán Marín, director of the Policía de Tránsito, said his officers will be on hand to control traffic and the traditional practice of illegal parking and blocking driveways and emergency routes.
Marín said that at least 25 Tráficos (Traffic officials) will be posted to the Zapote detail and more than double that to the downtown San José and Circunvalación that feeds traffic to and from Zapote.
Recommended for a safe visit to Zapote is not to wear jewellery or anything flashy and not carry large amounts of cash.
