Festival promotes tourism in Río de Jesús

Organizers estimated that some 3,000 people visited the district during the three-day festival. Ladies dressed in the national costume of pollera skirts took over the streets.

A folk parade with 35 carts brought the festival 'Mi Ranchito' to a close on Sunday in the district of Río de Jesús.

The festival, which began on Friday with the crowning of the queen, grows more notorious every year, according to the organizers.

“What we propose with this event is for visitors to experience folklore in all of its forms,” said Mayor Humberto Sánchez.

To achieve this mission, Sánchez shared, they recreate the countryside environment by building 25 ranchitos, or small huts, around the perimeter of the main park.

One of those who enjoyed the event was Congressman Freidi Torres.

“I am very pleased to have worked for the law that created it. In this way we also stimulate patriotism, and for me it is very important that the people of Río de Jesús cultivate their folklore and that this festival continues to grow each year,” noted Torres.

According to the police units that surveilled the site, no cases were reported during the festive event.

Rosa Muñoz, who has attended the festival for three years, shared that she feels most drawn towards those activities held outside the provincial capitals.

“I thought nobody threshed rice anymore, but here it's done on every corner. The carved gourds with designs caught my eye, and I also liked the dishes like meat and veggie stew or crab risotto,” she commented.

María Trejos felt that the festival was very well organized, with everyone wearing traditional costumes, and that the delegations were well identified and each one stood out during their presentations throughout the parade.