Two hundred thousand Costa Ricans took to the streets this past weekend in support of peace, life, family values and their love for Jesus Christ.
The march — which was first held in 1987 — remains a grassroots initiative, organized largely on social media by evangelical leaders. This year it included thousands of dancing participants dressed in white or colorful clothing, and even some evangelical lawmakers. Many Catholics also partook. All were led by a group of motorcyclists.
Marcha para Jesus rompió todas las expectativas de convocatoria, Estamos presentes en la #MarchaParaJesusCR
Posted by Stereo Vision Internacional on Saturday, August 22, 2015
TRANSLATION: The March for Jesus broke all prior expectations. We are live at the #MarchParaJesusCR
At one point, the group stopped in front of Hospital San Juan de Dios to “to offer prayer for the ill and the staff caring for them.” In light of increasing trends of violence and inequity within the country, Bishop Angel San Casimiro explains:
[quote_center]”This is a sign of who the Costa Rican people are, a people of faith in the person of Jesus… everyone longs for a country that is more inclusive… a country with more solidarity, a country in which the Costa Rican have access to the minimum conditions of human dignity.” [/quote_center]
Unlike many demonstrations in Costa Rica that protest labor wages or legislation, organizers claim the March for Jesus held last Saturday was completely apolitical. Some individual participants did however tell ICR News that they “wanted to urge President Luis Guillermo Solis and lawmakers in the country’s Legislative Assembly to avoid passing any legislation that violates ‘traditional Christian family values.’”
Whatever their purpose for attending, the 2015 March for Jesus had a big impact.
I’m not traditionally religious, but the “March For Jesus” yesterday in Costa Rica was inspiring. So many people encouraging “Peace on Earth” cannot possibly be a bad thing! #puravidacostarica
Posted by Kimberly Barron on Sunday, August 23, 2015
Amazing “March for Jesus” here in Costa Rica! I’m so proud of this nation’s public stand!
Posted by Donna J Smit Keith on Sunday, August 23, 2015
Were you there? Tell us about your experience below in the comments!
Header image via Christian Church in English, Grecia, Costa Rica