Costa Rica Launches Major Traffic Plan For "La Negrita" Pilgrimage

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Published on Friday, July 31, 2026

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) has announced extensive road closures and heightened traffic control measures ahead of the country's annual pilgrimage honoring Our Lady of the Angels, the nation's patron saint affectionately known as "La Negrita."

The religious holiday, observed every Aug. 2 and known locally as La Romería, attracts more than 2 million pilgrims each year.

Many participants make the 16-mile journey on foot from San José to Cartago to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, commonly known as the "La Negrita" Church.

To manage the large crowds, authorities have deployed more than 500 officers along key routes, supported by 100 motorcycle units and multiple tow trucks, including heavy-duty vehicles capable of removing buses and trucks if necessary.

The largest police presence will be concentrated along Route 2, the Florencio del Castillo Highway, which connects San José and Cartago and is expected to carry the majority of pilgrimage traffic.

Traffic officers will also be stationed at checkpoints throughout the country, including on major highways linking Cartago with the provinces of San José, Limón, Alajuela, Heredia, Puntarenas and Guanacaste.

Authorities said enforcement efforts will focus on speeding, drunk driving, unauthorized road access, illegal parking and overcrowded vehicles. Tow trucks will continuously patrol Route 2 to help keep traffic moving safely.

To accommodate the thousands of pilgrims, part of Route 2 has been designated as a pedestrian-only corridor. Authorities are encouraging walkers to use the alternate route between Tres Ríos and Cartago whenever possible.

Pedestrian traffic from San José to Cartago will be permitted day and night throughout the weekend.

On Sunday night, the direction will reverse to allow pilgrims to return from Cartago to San José following the main religious ceremonies.

While the pedestrian routes are in effect, bicycles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, skateboards and roller skates will not be allowed.

On Saturday, officials will also close the section of road between the Hispanity Fountain (Fuente de la Hispanidad) in the San Pedro District, San José and the Basilica in Cartago.

Streets surrounding the Basilica will be closed to all vehicle traffic from midnight Friday through midnight Sunday to reduce the risk of accidents as large crowds gather at the shrine.

The Costa Rican Red Cross has also launched a major safety operation, deploying more than 400 paramedics and volunteers along the pilgrimage route.

The organization is advising pilgrims to take the following precautions:

Stay hydrated.

Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.

Avoid walking alone.

Do not bring children or pets.

Continue taking any prescribed medications.

Use sunscreen and wear hats or caps.

Wear brightly colored clothing to improve visibility.

Stay away from high-traffic areas whenever possible.

Carry identification and any relevant medical information.

Eat light, nutritious meals.

Know your physical limits before beginning the walk.

In case of an emergency, pilgrims are urged to call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest Red Cross station.

MOPT oversees Costa Rica's road network, airports and port infrastructure and regulates public transportation throughout the country.

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What additional safety measures do you think pilgrims should take to stay safe during their journey? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com