“Plant your own tree and enjoy a special festival revolving around the source of the air in our lungs”. That is the invitation presented by Christoffer Horlitz, First Hand Volunteer who is organizing Día Del Arbol (Tree Day) for Saturday, June 2nd in the village of Esterones, located 15 minutes from Sámara.

Trees are being donated by ICE and will be planted along the soccer field behind the community hall as well as on the stretches of the beach that were burnt on January 14, 2011. 

Neighbors collaborated with MINAET to denounce the man responsible for the fire, Fabricio Sanchez, who at the time had been recently elected second vice mayor for the Canton of Nicoya. The neighbors of Esterones are still waiting for word on the status of the denunciation, according to Elizabeth Jenkins, one of the neighbors who spearheaded the action.  

Mayor Marcos Jimenez clarified that Sanchez’s role as second vice mayor does not have functions in the Municipality. Only the first vice mayor has functions. Sanchez is a doctor who works for the Costa Rican Social Security (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social). 

During the day, several activities are planned such as body painting, the narration of tree stories with known Costa-Rican storytellers and performances by artists from all parts of the country. Nicoyan singer and songwriter Max Goldenberg and former Malpais singer Jaime Gamboa have confirmed that they will perform that day.   

Typical food will also be sold by the junta de vecinos (neighborhood committee), and funds raised by food sales will help defray the costs of performing artists and decorations. These activities will take place in the community hall and the plaza of Esterones.