Faithful Getting Ready For the Annual "Romeria"
With a little over a week to go, "romeros" are getting ready for the annual tradition, the walk to Cartago to pay homage to La Virgen de Los Angeles.

August 2nd is the day to celebrate the Día de la Virgen de los Ángeles, when tens of thousands of visitors make their way to the Basilica de Los Angeles in Cartago to give thanks.

Though many will head out early, some are already on their way from as far away as Guanacaste, the massive walk is expected to gather momentum on July 29 and end on August 2.

Authorities have been getting ready for the annual pilgrimage with some changes expected to offer the "romeros" more security from criminals and moving traffic as the walkers follow the route along major thoroughfares.

The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) and the Fuerza Pública (police) will be out in full force beginning on Saturday. More than 400 Tránsito (traffic) officials will be on hand patrolling the route from San José to Cartago on 100 motorcycles, 15 tow trucks, 16 patrol cars and six radar detectors to curb speeding.

Germán Marín, director of the Policía de Tránsito, said that it will still be up to the "romeros" to use caution when walking along the side of the road, respecting traffic laws and directions by his officers. Marín said that their goal is to reduce speeding and drinking and driving on the roads.

Some advice to the "romeros" is to walk in single file, use the sidewalk (where it exists), dress in bright and reflective clothing and don't use illegal transport, like overcrowded buses.

Drivers are being asked to use extreme caution along the route and don't consume alcohol. Marín said that the Tránsito will use a heavy hand for those caught drinking and driving, including confiscating the vehicle in addition to a fine.