Every August I am amazed to see scores of people in streets headed towards the city of Cartago, to the east of San José. Traditionally on August the 2nd, thousands of people, not only from Costa Rica but from all over the world, participate in a pilgramage to The Basilica of Los Angeles to honor the virgin of ‘Los Angeles’ or La Negrita as she is commonly known to one and all.

The yearly pilgramage is better known as the ‘Romería’. Special masses and religious acts all are part of the events held at La Basilica de Cartago, as “romeros” attend the yearly pilgramage.

The Basilica of Los Angeles is a catholic temple in the city of Cartago, constructed in 1639. It’s an amazing Byzantine style church where, according to Costa Rica’s religious belief, an image of the Virgin Mary miraculously appeared to a young girl in 1635. This year some 2 million people visited Cartago to pay homage and give thanks for favors given.

If you decide to retiree in Costa Rica and want to participate in the Romería, everyone is welcome. It is a very good way to get to know the culture and people of Costa Rica. You don’t have to be Catholic to take part in this annual event.