All Roads Lead to Cartago
Nor the rain, nor sore feet, are keeping the faithful away from paying homage to La Negrita, the Virgen de Los Angeles, on their trek to La Basilica de Los Angeles in Cartago. More than a million are expected in this year's walk.

The heavy afternoon rains have forced "romeros" to take out their umbrellas, don jackets and step over puddles, but without any deterrence to their objective to reach the Basilica and on their knees for the last few metres, to ask the Negrita for help or to give thanks for help received.

Some have come from far away places of Puntarenas, Guanacaste and even San Vito from the southern zone, starting their walk last week, with the intention to be in Cartago by midnight tonight, when the traditional midnight gathering takes place and the festitives around the Basilica really begin.

In the area of Ochomogo, the rain is cold and the climb up the hill is steep. Yesterday there were reports of some hail. Hellen Blanco told reporters along the route that her "faith is stronger than her fear of the rain."

The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) - the weatherman - had no good news yesterday, as it predicts heavy downpours in the area.

Many took advantage of the day off work yesterday to make their annual visit.

Today, the Policía de Tránsito is expected to close off a number of roads around the Basilica and step up their safety net around the route from San José to Cartago to ensure that the romeros reach the Basilica safely.

One death was recorded Monday morning when a romero was struck by a drunk driver. Five hours later, with the aid of witnesses, police were able to detain the driver who was still under the influence of alcohol after a breathalyzer test.