Horse parades, known as topes in Costa Rica, are traditional events that mark important cultural celebrations. A tope is a typical tradition in all local fiestas. Thousands of riders come from all over the country to show off their beautiful horses, riding skills, fancy steps and specially designed cowboy outfits. The tope is widely considered to be the biggest people-watching event of the year.
I learned about topes and how they constitute part of a fiesta occurring over a few days along with bull-runs, food stalls, live music and dancing. The tradition began in colonial times as a horse race that marked the beginning of Fiestas de San Juan, a horse-racing and bullfighting event. Everyone would come out to see who the best jockeys and the fastest horses were. Now, it has become the most important horse show in the country. Additionally, raffles, held after the topes to raise money, play an important part of the tradition.
