Our Lady of Los Ángeles in Costa Rica
Costa Rica observes Our Lady of Los Ángeles every August 2, honoring a devotion associated with the country’s patroness. The celebration draws pilgrims to the National Shrine in Cartago and is also a statutory labor holiday.[1][2]
A devotion tied to Costa Rican history
Costa Rica’s bishops describe the image known as La Negrita as having been found in Cartago in 1635 and say the Virgin of Los Ángeles was declared the country’s patroness in 1824. The Church celebrates Our Lady of the Angels on August 2, the date associated with the image’s finding in the local account.[2]
For devotees, the celebration joins religious practice with a shared national tradition. The bishops describe the pilgrimage as an expression of faith and a gathering point for people from different regions and generations.[2]
Pilgrimage and worship in Cartago
The central observances take place at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Los Ángeles in Cartago. The annual program has included a novena, pilgrimages organized by dioceses, the romería on August 1, and a Eucharistic celebration on August 2.[3]
The romería is a pilgrimage on foot toward the shrine. People travel from different parts of Costa Rica, and the Catholic Church has described public agencies as coordinating logistics such as safety, road management, health services, and continuity of public transport for the pilgrimage.[3]
The celebration is centred on Cartago, while pilgrims begin their journeys from different places.[3]
Holiday status and work
August 2 is a non-mandatory-pay public holiday under Costa Rica’s Labour Code. Workers have the right to enjoy the day off, and employers cannot require them to work unless they agree, subject to exceptions in the Code. The Ministry of Labour says the holiday applies to people working in Costa Rica, including employees of international companies.[1]
“Non-mandatory pay” does not mean every worker loses a day’s pay. The Ministry explains that payment depends on the pay arrangement and type of business: for example, monthly and fortnightly salaries include the holiday, while weekly-paid non-commercial work is treated differently.[1]
The holiday remains on August 2 when it falls on a weekend; the Ministry says it is not transferred to the following Monday. Visitors should check individual opening hours and transport information before making plans.[1][3]
Frequently asked questions
When is Our Lady of Los Ángeles observed in Costa Rica?
Is it a day off for workers?
Workers have the right to enjoy the holiday. They may work if they agree, subject to exceptions in the Labour Code.[1]
Is the holiday paid?
It is classified as a non-mandatory-pay holiday. Whether the day is included in pay depends on the worker’s pay arrangement and type of business.[1]
Does the day off move when August 2 falls on a weekend?
No. The Ministry of Labour says the holiday is not transferred to the following Monday.[1]
Where does the romería take place?
Pilgrims travel from different parts of Costa Rica toward the National Shrine of Our Lady of Los Ángeles in Cartago. Public agencies coordinate event logistics, including road management and public transport continuity.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Our Lady of Los Ángeles in Costa Rica:
- Día de la Virgen de los Ángeles es feriado de pago no obligatorio- Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social, Gobierno de Costa Rica
- Mensaje – Presidente de la Conferencia Episcopal de Costa Rica – Solemnidad de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, 2025.- Conferencia Episcopal de Costa Rica
- Todo preparado para la fiesta a la Virgen de los Ángeles, Patrona de Costa Rica.- Conferencia Episcopal de Costa Rica