El Tope Nacional 2025 in Costa Rica

The biggest horse parade in the country takes place San José with fun activities and traditional attractions

Dates: December 26

El Tope is a traditional equestrian parade in Costa Rica that celebrates the nation's history and culture. The largest event, El Gran Tope Nacional, takes place in San José, featuring a festive atmosphere with plenty of food and drinks. Horses, a symbol of Costa Rica's colonial past, play a central role in the parade, reflecting the time when rural life and horseback riding were integral to daily life. This event serves as a cultural link between the present and Costa Rica's agricultural history.

El Tope Parade

El Gran Tope Nacional in Costa Rica is a grand equestrian parade held on December 26th in San José, marking the start of Festejos Populares, a festive period celebrating Christmas and New Year. The event features parades of hand-painted carts, horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, and skilled riders showcasing their majestic horses and sabanero outfits. The horses perform intricate steps to entertain thousands of spectators who line the streets. The parade follows a 4-mile route through Paseo Colón and Avenida Segunda, accompanied by music and broadcast on TV.

Traditional Celebrations

The tradition of Paso Finos in El Tope parades showcases the extraordinary Spanish dance steps performed by horses and riders, requiring extensive training throughout the year. Sabaneros work with their horses to execute impressive tricks that captivate the crowd. Riders, dressed in their finest cowboy outfits, parade with hand-painted, colorful ox carts crafted by local artisans. These intricately designed carts, driven through the streets, add a vibrant touch to the event, delighting onlookers both in-person and via TV broadcasts. The preparation and detail involved make the spectacle truly remarkable.

Origins of El Tope Nacional

The tradition of El Tope dates back to the early 20th century when the United Fruit Company imported cattle for Costa Rica's banana plantations. Riders were sent to gather cattle at the ports, known as "topar" in Spanish. Over time, this practice evolved into a national parade where riders displayed their well-groomed horses and dressed in Western-style attire. El Tope has since grown into a major cultural event celebrating Costa Rica's rich equestrian heritage, blending past and present in a festive atmosphere.