Annual Pilgrimage Picking Up Momentum
Though the masses will not be out until Tuesday, many Costa Ricans have already started they annual pilgrimage to Cartago to visit the Virgen de Los Angeles.

Those from outlying areas as far away as San Ramón to the northwest and Pérez Zeledón in the southeast, for example, began their walk on Friday, with an eye to reach the Basilica de Los Angeles in Cartago by Monday.

Some walk as much as 300 kilometres in their show of faith and devotion.

The Cruz Roja (Red Cross) and Policía de Tránsito (traffic police) have been out in full force since Friday, ensuring that this year's walk will be a safe one.

The Cruz Roja have 12 permanent first aid posts along the San José - Cartago route. Tránsito officials are diverting traffic at strategic points, especially on the Interamericana highway, west of Tres Rios, where "romeros" will need to cross unto the highway to follow the route.