Surrounded by small towns, its growth during last century produced transcended the limits between the diverse jurisdictions. Although the city of San Jose has a relatively small population of 350,000 inhabitants, the Metropolitan Area that includes fourteen municipalities however, contemplates 1.3 million people.
A metropolis of contrasts, San Jose preserves traces of its rural origins; a little of the grace its period of consolidation, the proper bustle of a modern metropolis of the developing world and the initial signs of urban restoration that presage a future bursting with expectation.
A city of radiance; once "amulet" of Central America; a complex of human realty and free spirit; a meeting place of cultures and in its beginnings a village with the vocation' of city, San Jose, simultaneously, virtuous and unconcerned, represents a "collage" of the multifaceted values, which define the Costa Rican.
In its sinuous streets, fantasy and the Indolence coexist. Nevertheless, in the majority or its inhabitants and visitors, hospitality is evident, amid the social and democratic beliefs that distinguish Costa Rica, in the concert of the nations.
San Jose is engaged in a process of regeneration and population growth, that simulates a city that is endeavoring to become a more functional, competitive, sustainable and inhabitable metropolis. San Jose, the capital, possesses a yet to be discovered wealth artistic and cultural expressions and architecture, that define its personality.
The Municipality of San Jose in its function as local government is committed to improve San Jose and the general conditions of life that it offers.
San Jose, a city for all
Given its location, history and tourism; the city of San Jose is a more than adequate stage for the development of arts and sciences. To this we must add, the growing reputation as a host city for meetings and world class professional events that the tourism industry has facilitated.
San Jose, a cultural center
Large and small temples of the culture involving parks and museums, libraries, art galleries, workshops, theaters and concert halls, are found everywhere in the city of San Jose. The profuse activity that revolves around such centers has been validated with the election of the city as the Iberian - American Capital of the Culture. Throughout 2006, multiple significant events will add to the traditional cultural agenda of the capital.
A decade of tradition
Each year in the month of December, the light of thousands bulbs sight up a unique parade in San Jose, that has come to attract visitors from all the corners of the country. During the Festival de la Luz (Festival of the Light), the dreams, the traditions, the music and the fantasy of the Costa Ricans parade by. This year, the Festival of the light will be held on Saturday December 10th and will traverse; as in the past, the Paseo Col�n and Second Avenue of San Jose.
Art and Culture 
