Virgin of Los Angeles Day, also known as 'La Romeria', is one of the most important religious holidays in Costa Rica. It is celebrated annually on August 2nd in honor of the country's patron saint, the Virgin of Los Angeles (La Virgen de los Angeles). According to the local belief, the Virgin Mary appeared to a young indigenous girl in 1635 in the city of Cartago, which led to the saint's reverence and the commemoration of this special day.
This significant religious event sees a massive gathering of about two million people, nearly half the country's population, who take part in a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago. Some devoted individuals carry out the journey from the capital city, San José, which is about 22 kilometers away. The pilgrimage is often perceived as a journey of faith and devotion, with many pilgrims fulfilling promises or seeking healing miracles.
Once the pilgrims reach the Basilica, they typically pray and drink from a holy water spring, believed to have curative properties. The awe-inspiring architectural features of the Basilica itself also add to the beauty of the experience. The Virgin of Los Angeles Day reflects not just a religious tradition for Costa Ricans, but also a deeply ingrained cultural identity showing devotion, unity, and respect towards their patron saint.