Costa Rica's Romería Pilgrimage Draws Hundreds of Thousands and Triggers Massive Security Operation

Each August, the Romería pilgrimage honors the Virgen de los Ángeles, known as La Negrita, as hundreds of thousands of walkers travel the 22‑kilometre route from San José to the Basílica de los Ángeles in Cartago. The 2024 event saw the largest crowd yet, prompting a coordinated security and emergency response. More than 500 Fuerza Pública officers, 150 traffic police, municipal forces and the Costa Rican Red Cross deployed over 850 personnel, 145 emergency vehicles and nine aid stations along the route, with 25 hospitals on alert. Surveillance included drones and municipal cameras. Traffic restrictions barred heavy and hazardous‑material trucks on key highway sections and closed a four‑kilometre stretch between San Pedro and La Galera during the peak walking period.

Health officials warned of dehydration, exhaustion and other injuries, urging participants to follow nutrition and hydration guidelines recommended by nutritionist Francisco Herrera Morales. Preparatory walks, balanced meals and regular fluid intake are advised to reduce fatigue and gastrointestinal issues during the demanding trek.