The town of Limon in Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast has been struggling before the Health Department for the approval of their traditional carnivals.  If the Health Department denies the permit, this would be the second year Limon goes about without their traditional October carnival.

The permit for carrying out the carnivals in Limon was denied by the Health Department due to the serious garbage disposal problems the town has had for several years now.  The Municipality of Limon has not been able to resolve the situation of acquiring a new garbage dump terrain due to financial problems.

Limon is Costa Rica’s poorest province and has struggled for years to stay atop.  The only viable option Limon currently has for a garage dumpsite costs approximately $165,000, a sum too high for the local government.  Limon has had to look into other options such as sending garbage to nearby towns that charge them $25 per ton.

The Carnivals in Limon is a way for the impoverished town to receive extra income during the year and the permit denial will have its economical and emotional toll on its people.  The Health Department has stated that the permit denial is in the best interest of the public health as for the amount of garbage on the streets and on empty lots attracts mosquitoes, which are the main transmitters of the Dengue Fever and Malaria.

However, local authorities have announced that they are putting together a second remedial plan that they will present to the Health Department in order to request the permit one more time.