Every August 2nd, thousands of people in Costa Rica take part in the Romería, a long walk that leads to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago, in honor of the country’s patron saint. The image above shows the church at night, adorned with decorative lights, a tradition during this holiday.
Rooted in a story from 1635, this pilgrimage is one of the most meaningful traditions in the nation’s cultural life. We’ve shared more about its history and significance in this and this previous entries of The Daily. But beyond its religious origins, the Romería has also become something else: a shared experience. And today, we’d like to take a closer look at that collective dimension.
During the Romería, roads turn into pedestrian spaces, and people of all ages walk freely, often even at night, carried by a sense of safety and trust. To support this, major routes are adapted to reduce or even fully remove vehicle traffic. These changes are made to ensure the safety of walkers and to make space for this massive collective journey. It’s a unique experience in a country where, under normal circumstances, long nighttime walks aren’t always possible or common.
Some walk out of faith. Others for a loved one, a promise, a cause, or simply because they can. It’s one of those rare moments when people from all walks of life, in sneakers, with strollers or wheelchairs, step into the road together to walk together with intention.
Anthropologically, this act of walking together goes back to ancient human behavior. From early migrations to ceremonial processions, walking in community is a deeply rooted expression of unity, purpose, and movement toward something greater. It can even feel meditative, step after step, together.
So even if we’re not making the journey to Cartago this week, we can empathize with what it feels like to walk with others peacefully, with presence and purpose.
Here in Town, many of us know the quiet joy of walking safely, without traffic, and trusting that the road is made for you. In a car-free place like this, walking isn’t just how we get from one place to another. It’s how we slow down. How we share space.How we meet other people and how we get to connect.
Because sometimes, what brings people together isn’t just the destination, it’s the simple fact that they’re walking there side by side.
If you or someone you know is joining the Romería this year, we wish them a safe journey, one that strengthens faith, deepens friendships, or simply reminds them of the beauty of walking together.