La Romería, a tradition that began with the Catholic community, has become one of the most important events of the year.

Romería is a mass journey of the faithful to pay homage to the Virgin of Los Angeles at the Basilica located in the Cartago Province.

Authorities estimate that more than two million people will visit the Negrita Basilica church to culminate their celebration today, Wednesday, Aug. 2.

The Day of Our Lady of the Angels, or La Negrita, is a public holiday in Costa Rica observed on Aug. 2 of each year. The last report from the Basilica estimated over two million people make the devout walk there every year.

Many people start their 22- kilometer pilgrimage from San José to the church in Cartago on Aug. 1. Some devotees begin their journey from their homes which may be a great deal farther from the destination. Their walk may take days to complete.

Today is the most important day of this celebration. A solemn mass is celebrated with the presence of the archbishop, dozens of priests and government authorities.

Those who participate usually do so for two reasons, to ask for help from the Virgin or to give thanks for a miracle that has already happened.

The tradition includes a promise from the pilgrim, usually to repeat the pilgrimage every year.

It is a common practice to be on the knees from the entrance of the church to the altar. Visitors can see this practice daily as children, young people, and entire families continue this custom as a sign of gratitude to the Virgin.

Throughout the day, pilgrims will have access to enter the church to show their gratitude to the figure of La Negrita. She is placed at the top of the main atrium and decorated in gold.

Another tradition is to collect holy water from the fountain in the lower part of the church. Although this water is potable, pilgrims grant it curative benefits as water is provided by the Basilica.

In addition, visitors will be able to enter the lower part of the church where the stone is located. According to tradition, the stone is where La Negrita was found for the first time.

Today, the Catholic Church will hold three masses in honor of the Virgin, at 9 a.m., 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Then at 6 p.m. the massive Rosario de la Luz, which means the rosary of the light, will take place in the square of the church. Pilgrims will make their requests and give thanks to the Virgin for miracles granted.

The celebration will end with fireworks.

The story of this special Marian celebration dates back to August 2, 1635, according to historical reports from the Costa Rican National Library.

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What have you heard about miracles granted by La Negrita?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com