Virgin of Los Angeles Day
August 2, Saturday
History of the holiday:
According to tradition, on August 2, 1635, a young girl named Juana Pereira found a small statue of the Virgin Mary on a stone near a river in the city of Cartago. Every time the statue was moved, it miraculously returned to the same place. This was seen as a sign, and later a basilica called Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles was built at that site. In 1824, the Virgin of Los Angeles was officially recognized as the heavenly patroness of Costa Rica.
How it is celebrated:
* Hundreds of thousands of people make a pilgrimage on foot to the basilica in Cartago (the tradition is called "romería").
* Religious services, masses, and prayers are held.
* Believers pray to the Virgin of Los Angeles for health, protection, and give thanks for miracles.
* Some pilgrims crawl the last meters to the basilica on their knees as a sign of humility and gratitude.
Interesting facts:
* The Basilica of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles is Costa Rica’s main shrine, attracting millions of pilgrims every year.
* La Negrita is depicted as a small black Madonna, symbolizing the unity of different races and peoples of the country.
* The holiday is an official public holiday in Costa Rica.
Conclusion:
Virgin of Los Angeles Day is a day of deep spiritual significance for Costa Ricans, filled with faith, gratitude, and the unity of the people through the tradition of pilgrimage and prayer.