Holiday Monday?
Today, Monday, July 31, is a holiday. Many are not sure what holiday it is and why it is being celebrated. The majority of Guanacastecos celebrated their holiday last Tuesday, July 25, the day of the Anexión de Nicoya, when it became part of Costa Rica.

The residents of Guanacaste don't like the idea of the "legal" holiday moved to the following Monday and as such have asked president Oscar Arias to rescind the presidential decree signed by former president Abel Pacheco. Arias agreed to the change.

For those living outside of Guanacaste, they accept the day off work but don't really understand what the fuss is all about.

This year the holiday coincides with the annual "romerias" - pilgrimage - to Cartago, where the devout walk to Basilica de Los Angeles in Cartago to pay homage to the Virgen de Los Angeles or La Negrita as she is commonly referred to.

Since Friday, the faithful have been making their way to Cartago, beating the rush that is expected tomorrow or coming from as far away places like San Ramón and Perez Zeledon. Some have even come from as far away as Puntarenas, like Martha Pérez, who left Friday and is expected to make it on her knees on Tuesday. The tradition is to make the last few metres from the entrance of the Basilica to the altar where the statue of the La Negrita is located, on the knees.

The annual walk is not only for Costa Ricans, but also for many foreigners living here or just visiting.

The largest number of visitors to the Basilica are expected on Tuesday night. Many "romeros" leave in the early evening of Tuesday, after work and taking advantage of the coolness of the night, to gather for their offerings to La Negrita in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Though Wednesday is classed as holiday, it is not an "official" holiday. Some private business will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Employers can voluntarily give the day off with or without pay. The Minister of Labour clarified the confusion as many workers, accustomed to a day off on August 2, were reminded that it is not a paid holiday and can expect their employers to reduce their pay if they decide to skip work.

The Policía de Tránsito (traffic police) are out in full force along the route from San José to Cartago, as well the Cruz Roja (Red Cross) have set up 12 permanent as a number of mobile posts along the route to ensure safety and offer first aid to those in need. The Fuerza Pública is also out there ensuring public security.