Historically, each city or town held festivals in honor of their patron saint, and a significant part of these festivities was the horse display. Today, horse owners, farm workers and farm owners come to the capital from all over the country to bring their best animals to the parade. Instead of racing, the horses are trained to take special steps, almost dancing for the spectators that line the streets. Topes are now held more as fundraising events for charitable causes and are really just an excuse to throw a party!
This tradition showcases horses, which are a large part of Costa Rican culture and the environment.Thousands of riders display their horses, their own impressive riding talents and even their custom designed cowboy outfits. The events are also popular among families with their pet horses. Costa Rica is a country with a great farming and agricultural tradition. Horses have a very important place in history since most families that colonized the country either had farms or raised horses.
