El desfile de faroles (or the “lantern parade”) is a celebration that takes place every 14 of september in Costa Rica, just one day before the independence day celebration. These lanterns are a representation of the independence of the region, where the news traveled through Latin America as lights came on throughout the towns and cities. 

Faroles, these special lanterns, are a tradition for Costa Rica’s celebration of its independence. They are commonly handmade and are usually lit up for the parade. Each Tico classmate had their own stories of faroles to share from their childhood. 

In honour of this celebration, the class made Faroles with their newfound knowledge of electronics! This was the team’s first fully functioning electronic prototype of the week.

Farol Nubecita – or Little Cloud Lantern – was inspired by the rain. During the rainy season, it rains everyday like clockwork. This rain has accompanied our afternoons here at school, click clacking on our roofs and nurturing the garden. The Nubecita turns on a little motor and has an RBG LED inside, allowing it to light up as different colors when different buttons are pressed.