Tag: Our Lady of Angels Basilica

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Pilgrimage to Cartago Was August 2

Read article: Millions expected in annual Costa Rica pilgrimage

It was two days ago and even though we met someone going to join the pilgrimage last week at a bus stop, I forget that it is mostly on one day, August 2, and I have yet to go watch and photograph the over 2 million people walking the 22 km from San Jose to Cartago to this church and Basilica, Our Lady of the Angels. Read the linked article above for a good description of the pilgrimage and why it happens and learn about finding the Black Virgen. 
These photos were made by me enroute to Turrialba in 2015. See also; 
My photo gallery of Churches in Costa Rica -far from as many photos as I hope to have collected eventually, but an interesting start! 
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A Little Costa Rica Culture Enroute

Our Lady of Angels Basilica in Cartago (I drove by on way to Turrialba)
The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles (Our Lady of the Angels Basilica) is a Roman Catholic basilica in Costa Rica, located in the city of Cartago and dedicated to the Virgen de los Pardos, officially known as Virgen de los Ángeles (the Lady of the Angels). The basilica was built in 1639 and was partially destroyed by an earthquake. The basilica has since been restored and constitutes a unique mix of colonial architecture as well as 19th century Byzantine style, the current building dates back to 1939.[From Wikipedia] Once a year there is a pilgrimage of thousands from all over Central America to this Cathedral, all walking!

I stopped by around 11 Sunday morning & it was packed,
standing room only with a crowd standing and listening outside the door.

It is my personal observation that Ticos are not only mostly religious but what I would call “Christian in their behavior” or relationships toward each other and outsiders and a very moral people.

This horse with his rider and cart came to lodge to pick up trash today.
Talk about a juxtaposition of cultures!
In rural areas it is still common to see people riding horses for transportation.