Despite the rain and cold air, it did not break the will of hundreds of faithful who chose yesterday to advance their “romería” to the Basilica de los Angeles, in Cartago, home of La Negrita.
Romeros could be spotted from early in the morning Saturday.
The traffic police was forced, starting shortly after 8am, to completely close off one lane of the autopista Florencial del Castillo (San José – Cartago highway) to ensure the safety of walkers.
Staring Wednesday, vehicular traffic between Curridabat on the east side of San José, though La Union and Ochomogo and onto the Basilica in Cartago will be “regulado”. A couple of thousand police and Red Cross workers will be on and to provide safety and first aid to the romeros.
Traffic official, Diego Herrera, told the media that the number of romeros coming out early this year exceeded expectations.
The La Nacion reports that about 40 residents from Tilarán, northwest of Arenal, departed early in their six-day and 220 kilometre trek to reach La Virgen. The group is being accompanied by a truck to carry their luggage as well as food, water and medication in case of an emergency.
Remember the La Nacion has an interactive map accessed by your smartphone or tablet. The app tells you the distance you would still have to travel to reach the Basilica. You can find the map and download the app at www.nacion.com/romeria
