Today, August 2, Costa Rica observes one of its most important religious holidays: the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels, honoring the country’s patron saint, affectionately known as La Negrita.
For many Costa Rican Catholics, the celebration is closely connected to the Romería, an annual pilgrimage to the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles in Cartago, where the small image of the Virgin is kept. The tradition commemorates the discovery of the image in 1635 and has become one of the country’s most deeply rooted expressions of faith and devotion.
Each year, more than a million people participate in the pilgrimage, with some estimates reaching as many as two million throughout the days surrounding the celebration. Pilgrims arrive from communities across Costa Rica, although one of the most common routes begins in San José and covers approximately 22 kilometers before reaching the Basilica.
Some people make the journey to give thanks, fulfill a promise, pray for someone they love, or ask for strength and guidance during a difficult season. Others walk simply to continue a family tradition that has been passed from one generation to the next. Some travel the full distance, while others begin closer to Cartago, but each person carries a reason of their own.
Because the Romería takes place over several days and reaches its busiest point around August 1 and 2, roads leading toward Cartago experience an extraordinary amount of pedestrian movement. Routes are adapted, traffic is redirected, and emergency and public-service teams are deployed to support the thousands of people making their way toward the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles.
August 2 is also officially recognized as a national holiday in Costa Rica, reflecting the importance that this celebration holds within the country’s religious and cultural life.
For those who are new to Costa Rica, today we wanted to take a moment to share this tradition and recognize how deeply it is woven into the country’s history. Even for those who are not taking part in the pilgrimage, Día de la Virgen de los Ángeles offers a window into the faith, gratitude, family traditions, and sense of devotion carried by many Costa Ricans.
To everyone participating in the Romería or observing the day in their own way, we wish you a safe and meaningful Día de la Virgen de los Ángeles.