Our Lady of the Angels Day is Thursday, and for about 2 million people, a pilgrimage by foot to the eastern province of Cartago is under way to honor the country's patron saint.
According to popular belief, La Negrita was found in Cartago in 1635 by a young girl, and she reappeared several times in the same spot, despite being moved. Many people attribute miraculous healing power to this statue of the Virgin Mary and make the annual pilgrimage to thank her for their blessings during the year. This year marks the 225 th anniversary of La Virgen de los Angeles being named the country's patron saint.
The most popular starting point for the pilgrimage is in San José, about 22 kilometers from Cartago, beginning on Avenida Central and heading east to Costa Rica Highway 2. The walk takes pilgrims through parks and business districts at first, then out to the hot but scenic mountain highway for the duration of the hike.
As this reporter learned Saturday, the walk can be painful for your feet, but a worthwhile cultural experience.
Those who go should bring sunscreen and bottled drinks, and it's important to wear good hiking shoes -- twisting highway shoulders made of gravel aren't the friendliest walking terrain. Cars come flying by pilgrims as if they weren't even there, so walkers should wear something that stands out and pay as much attention to the road as they do the rolling green scenery around it.
The rows of pilgrims get bigger as the path closes in on Cartago, all either marching without saying much or taking periodic rests under the shade of bus stops and store fronts. Despite the dust in their faces, rocks in their shoes and sweat-soaked clothes, everyone I met seemed cheery. Besides, who ever heard of a high maintenance pilgrim? |
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