Nayuribe Guadamuz calls to protect lantern parade from political use

Costa Rican Deputy Nayuribe Guadamuz of the Pueblo Soberano party has called for the preservation of the civic and educational nature of the September 14 lantern parade. The request follows suggestions from opposition groups to use the traditional Independence Day activity as a platform for anti-government demonstrations.

Guadamuz, identifying herself as an educator, emphasized that the tradition—which dates back to 1953—serves as a historical legacy representing national identity and student participation. She argued that the event should remain a healthy, patriotic experience for children and families rather than being instrumentalized for political activism. She urged parents and citizens to protect the symbolic meaning of the lanterns, which commemorate the messengers who spread the news of independence from Spain in 1821.