Catholics make annual pilgrimage to Cartago for romería

An estimated 2 million people made the pilgrimage to Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles in Cartago on Friday.

Virgen de los Ángeles Day, celebrated annually on August 2, honors Costa Rica’s patron saint. Costa Rican Catholics — and faithful from across the world — complete the romería to give thanks to and ask for blessings from La Negrita. 

Here are some photos from the 2019 romería (shot on my cell phone, since I was too hot/tired/sweaty to carry another camera).

Romeros, or pilgrims, making the trek toward Cartago. Alejandro Zúñiga / The Tico Times

Romeros took pictures -- and took a break! -- upon reaching Cartago. Alejandro Zúñiga / The Tico Times

Many romeros visited the Santiago Apóstol Parish Ruins in Cartago. Alejandro Zúñiga / The Tico Times