Avenida Escazú kicks off Christmas season

Shopping center throws inaugural Christmas parade and tree lighting

Equipped with wooly hats and gloves, hundreds of people braved the chilly (by Costa Rican standards) weather Saturday for Avenida Escazú shopping center’s inaugural Christmas parade, southwest of San José. 

Families in attendance were treated to music from two high school marching bands as well as performances from numerous dance groups.  Clowns in Santa hats and Disney mascots lined the streets during the march, which culminated in an epic entrance by Santa Claus.

The jolly gift-giver ziplined over the street on a cable suspended between two buildings, then repelled down onto the street in a sea of applause.  Santa and Mrs. 

Claus then took the stage for the lighting of the shopping center’s Christmas tree, which was followed by a fireworks show.

Six different groups from around the Escazú and San José area participated in the parade, including the Special Olympics of Costa Rica and Danceworks, a local dance studio.

Posted by Costa Developers

Starbucks opens second Costa Rica location Today

The coffee giant will compete with three other stores in a new mall.

The official Facebook page of U.S. coffee giant Starbucks noted that its second store in Costa Rica will open Today at the new mall Lincoln Plaza in Moravia, northeast of the capital.

The chain opened its first store in Costa Rica in June, on Avenida Escazú, southwest of the capital. That store is Starbucks’ 565th location in Latin America and generated some 30 new jobs.

Other coffee shops planned for the new mall are Kafe Haus, Spoon and Ily Gourmet.

Starbucks has been a major buyer of Costa Rican coffee for years, and its menu includes Tico coffee from Bella Vista Coffee, a farm in Tres Ríos, southeast of San José.

Posted By Costa Developers.