The renowned annual masquerade in Barva de Heredia, Costa Rica, which is a cherished tradition, faced an unfortunate turn of events. A surge of violence, highly unusual for a church-related event or any event in Costa Rica, overshadowed the festivities.
Timeline of Disturbances
On the fateful Sunday afternoon, the festival ambiance was disrupted by a series of violent incidents. Initially, an individual was struck by a bullet. As the night progressed, the chaos escalated. Two more people suffered injuries: one from a knife assault and another with two bullet injuries. These incidents primarily occurred near the food stalls and amusement rides situated on the park’s south side.
Concern for the Injured
Among those grievously hurt was Mr. Martínez, who faced a life-threatening situation after receiving a gunshot wound to his chest. He was promptly transported to the San Vicente de Paúl Hospital, urgently needing medical attention.
Event’s Premature Conclusion
Given the escalating violence, the Parish of Barva took the decision to conclude the masquerade ahead of its scheduled time. The parish announced on its official Facebook page the cancellation of the much-anticipated fireworks display that was planned for the evening.
