The annual pilgrimage to the Basilica of the Angels stands as a testament to Costa Rica’s deep-rooted traditions and unwavering faith. This spiritual odyssey, serves as a profound display of devotion, unity, and gratitude among Costa Ricans.
The journey commences from Puntarenas, where devotees embark on a quest to honor the revered Virgin of Los Angeles. While the pilgrimage officially unfolds on August 1, preparations and anticipations begin days earlier. Some pilgrims, driven by fervent faith, commence their journey from remote corners of the country, testament to their unwavering commitment to this sacred tradition.
The Basilica of the Angels, nestled in the Province of Cartago, serves as the focal point of this spiritual voyage. Each year, an estimated 2 million faithful individuals converge upon this hallowed site, encompassing a tapestry of Costa Rican society.
This pilgrimage represents more than a religious procession; it encapsulates the essence of Costa Rican culture. It’s a poignant spectacle where devotees from diverse backgrounds come together, bound by a common reverence for the Virgin of Los Angeles, declared the Patroness of Costa Rica by Pope John Paul II.
The pilgrimage’s route, stretching over 128 kilometers from Puntarenas, traverses landscapes that witness an influx of pilgrims, each carrying their own stories of gratitude, hopes, and prayers. Some undertake this journey seeking blessings, while others embark to fulfill promises made to the Virgin, testament to the profound personal connections woven into this collective expedition.
Amidst the devout throngs, the esplanade of the Basilica bears witness to the culmination of this spiritual sojourn on August 2. Here, amidst a solemn mass presided over by the Archbishop of the Diocese and graced by the presence of government dignitaries, including the President of Costa Rica, the collective faith of the nation finds expression.
The significance of this pilgrimage transcends mere tradition; it embodies a narrative steeped in history and miracles. The origin story, dating back to August 2, 1635, narrates the discovery of the revered image by Juana Pereira in the province of Cartago. This “little doll” discovered near a crystalline water spring later revealed itself as the Virgin of Los Angeles, affectionately known as “La Negrita.”
The miraculous events surrounding the discovery culminated in the construction of a hermitage and the eventual declaration of the Virgin of the Angels as the official patron saint of Costa Rica.
The image, measuring about 20 centimeters and made from a unique blend of volcanic rock, graphite, and jade, rests on the altar of the Basilica. Affectionately named “La Negrita” for its black color, this revered icon stands as a beacon of faith and symbolizes hope for millions.
As the pilgrimage draws to a close, the collective sentiment of gratitude and reverence echoes through the devotees who journeyed across vast distances to pay homage to this symbol of faith.
In essence, the pilgrimage to the Basilica of the Angels from Puntarenas encapsulates the intertwining of faith, history, and culture, perpetuating a tradition that remains a cornerstone of Costa Rican identity.