The Annual Pilgrimage To Cartago

If you hadn't noticed yet today is a national holiday in Costa Rica, the day of La Negrita, when Catholic faithfuls meet face-to-face with the patron saint of Costa Rica, La Virgen de los Angeles.



Devotees make their way to the Viejo Metropoli (Old Metropolis), the city of Cartago, to the Basilica de los Angeles, the home of La Negrita, to ask for promises or pay their tribute for promises delivered.

For some the Pilgrimage began days ago, making their annual walk of faith ahead of the masses gathered at the Basilica today, where more than two million or half of the country, will gather.



This year's "romeria" is under gray skies. Coats and scarves are the norm in a city that is traditionally a few degrees colder than San José or Alajuela.

The Cruz Roja Costarricense (Costa Rican Red Cross) reports treating almost 4.000 "romeros", the majority suffering from muscle spasms and sore feet.

As to the holiday, this is a "no pago obligatorio', meaning if you work you get paid your regular salary. Salaries employees who are required to work today will have another day off in the pay period.