Costa Rica Readying For The Annual "Romeria"

In a matter of days more than two million are expected to descend on the old Metropolis or Cartago, to pay homage to the Virgen de los Angeles, affectionately known as "La Negrita", in the annual "romeria".


Many took advantage of the July 25 to make the Pilgrimage

The day of the romeria is August 2. But the majority of romeros will be making the pilgrimage on the 1st.

Security measures include more than 2.000 officials of the Fuerza Publica, Policia de Tránsito, more than a thousand Crusrojistas (Red Cross workers) and a couple thousands volunteers, that will line the route from San Pedro in San José to the Basilica in Cartago.

Emergency posts will be every 500 metres as it nears the Basilica.

To get back from Cartago, the Lumaca bus company said it has already started increasing its vehicular float and schedule times and by the 29th will have all its 100 buses in full use. Lumaca is the sole San José - Cartago route concessionaire.

Private bus operators will be offering "charters" to and from the Basilica, but cannot pick up passengers at the bus stops.

Available also are taxis, both formal and informal (porteadores) for a ride back to San José.