Faithful
Arriving Early in Cartago In Fear of AH1N1
Infection
Last year some 2 million people took part in
the annual walk to Cartago, the romeria, to
pay homage to the patron saint of Costa
Rica, la Virgen de Los Angeles or "La
Negrita" as she is commonly referred to.
This year, however, the numbers may be much
lower than last year, many deciding to skip
the romeria for fear of infection of the
AH1N1 flu virus, which so far has claimed
the lives of 11 in Costa Rica.
The romeria is on August 2.
Some, to beat the crowds and possible
infection, have already begun their trek,
getting to Cartago more than a week ahead of
the masses.
Monseñor José Francisco Ulloa, the Catholic
church Bishop of Cartago, said yesterday is
in full agreement with the many who have
taken to the romeria early, taking concern
of the possible health risks.
The Monseñor assures that measures are being
taken to minimize the health risks and asks
people to heed to the recommendations of the
ministerio de Salud.
The ministra de Salud, Maria Luisa Avila,
said last week that the romeria is on, but
it all depends on the situation leading up
to the romeria and would not hesitate to
cancel the annual walk if the spread of the
virus has not been contained.
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