Health and safety guidance issued for Cartago Romería pilgrimage
Local authorities and health experts have issued a set of safety recommendations for the annual Romería to the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles in Cartago. Pilgrims are urged to wear reflective clothing and accessories, travel in groups, and avoid bringing valuables or pets. Organizers advise regular hydration, consumption of light foods such as fruit, cereals, nuts and electrolyte drinks, and to limit alcoholic beverages.
Medical data from the Costa Rican Red Cross show that about 90% of the roughly 2,100 medical attendances recorded during the 2025 Romería were related to musculoskeletal problems, with 19% of those cases classified as critical. Experts recommend a pre‑pilgrimage preparation routine that includes four specific stretches – lateral stretches, ankle rotations, quadriceps stretches and short skipping – to reduce injury risk. The Municipality of Montes de Oca began safety operations on 25 July to oversee the event and protect participants.
Entities: Ana Estela Ramos · Basilica of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles · Cartago · Cruz Roja Costarricense · Municipality of Montes de Oca
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Costa Rican Red Cross reported that 90% of medical attendances during the 2025 Romería were due to musculoskeletal issues. (243b72a5-6c8b-4370-b6c7-2b5d1db988ee)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Authorities recommend wearing reflective clothing and accessories during the Romería. (0dd651d6-9eb6-46a4-ade2-a7c4d60a313b)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Pilgrims are advised to travel in groups and not bring valuables or pets. (0dd651d6-9eb6-46a4-ade2-a7c4d60a313b)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Participants should stay hydrated, eat light foods and limit alcohol consumption. (0dd651d6-9eb6-46a4-ade2-a7c4d60a313b)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] 19% of those transported for effort‑related issues during the Romería were classified as critical. (243b72a5-6c8b-4370-b6c7-2b5d1db988ee)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Municipality of Montes de Oca launched safety operations on 25 July to protect pilgrims. (0dd651d6-9eb6-46a4-ade2-a7c4d60a313b)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Experts recommend four stretches before the Romería: lateral stretch, ankle rotation, quadriceps stretch, and short skipping. (fd2bb85c-7839-4e92-9516-6a83e3e3f2b2)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 2,100 people required medical attention during the 2025 Romería. (243b72a5-6c8b-4370-b6c7-2b5d1db988ee)