August 2 is a holiday in Costa Rica, it’s a day reserved to honor the country’s patron saint, the Vírgen de los Angeles or “La Negrita” as Costa Ricans refer to her.

The tradition in the country for catholic faithful involves a pilgrimage, “La Romería”, to the church in Cartago that was built in honor of La Negrita, “La Basílica de Los Angeles”.

Hundreds of thousands, some say more than a million, (in reality it is hard to tell), make the walk from different parts of the country, others choose to ride their bike. La Romería is an act of faith, some people do it as a tradition, a way of honoring their Saint; others do it as a sacrifice for a miracle or favor requested; and many more are fulfilling a promise for an answered prayer or miracle they have already received.

Many Costa Ricans started the walk since this past weekend to avoid the crowds, but the majority choose to begin their pilgrimage on August 2 or the day before, depending on where they are walking from, some walk just a few hours, but other walk for several days from places like Guanacaste; some even choose to walk barefoot, while others enter the church on their knees and make their way to the altar.

The stories of answered prayers and miracles are many and the faith of believers huge.

The legend of “La Negrita” talks about a young indigenous woman, Juana Pereira, who in 1635 was picking up wood in the area when she found the small sculpture of a black virgin sitting on a rock, she picked it up and took it with her, putting it away inside a box in her house. However, the next day when she went to pick up wood, the woman found again the small statuette on top of the same rock; thinking it was a second one she took it with her and when she went to place it inside the same box she had placed the other one the day before she realize that it was missing, surprised she placed it in the box once again, but the same thing happened the following day; at this point she decided to take it to the local priest who also put it away in a safe place, but the next day Juana found her once again on top of the same rock. They understood this to be a divine sign that the Virgin wanted to be in this place, a small temple was built in her honor. La Negrita was named the patron saint of Costa RIca in 1824. The current building dates back to 1939.

To safeguard those participating in La Romeria, the traffic police is present in the usual routes to Cartago; the red cross establishes several stands in different key points to offer care to those who need it.

Everyone can take part in La Romeria, having faith is the only requisite. If you are considering participating in the pilgrimage this year, take safety precautions. Consider your health and physical condition and make the walk from a point where the distance won’t represent a danger to your health. Wear comfortable and neon or reflective clothing; take enough water and snacks as well as any medication you usually need. An extra set of clothes including socks and shoes is recommended, as well as sunscreen and an umbrella or raincoat. Do not take young children with you.