Cartago, Costa Rica swarms with thousands for 2026 Romería pilgrimage

Thousands of Costa Ricans began the annual Romería pilgrimage early on July 25, 2026, heading to the Basilica of Los Ángeles in Cartago. The surge of walkers and vehicles at the Taras crossing created heavy traffic and made vehicle passage difficult.

The Cartago municipality announced several measures to support the event from August 1 to 3. Initiatives include a market for 156 local entrepreneurs in Plaza Mayor, completion of the second stage of the Taras Linear Park, a new public water‑purification station, and a municipal K9 police unit. Security will be bolstered by more than 500 cameras, traffic control officers, and waste‑collection points along the route, while additional street lighting and widened sidewalks aim to improve safety and flow for the pilgrims.