Feast of Our Lady of the Angels in Costa Rica
Feast of Our Lady of the Angels is a holiday in Costa Rica.
When is Feast of Our Lady of the Angels in Costa Rica
Feast of Our Lady of the Angels is celebrated on 02, August, 2023 in Costa Rica.
About Feast of Our Lady of the Angels in Costa Rica
The Feast of Our Lady of the Angels, also known as La Negrita, is a significant religious holiday in Costa Rica. It is celebrated annually on August 2nd and holds great cultural and historical importance for the Costa Rican people.
The holiday commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to a young indigenous girl named Juana Pereira in 1635. According to legend, Juana found a small statue of the Virgin Mary, now known as La Negrita, on a rock in the forest near her home in Cartago. She took the statue home, but miraculously, it returned to the same spot the next day. This happened repeatedly, leading the locals to believe it was a divine sign.
The story of the appearance of La Negrita spread quickly, and a small chapel was built on the site where the statue was found. Over the years, the chapel was expanded, and today it is known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, located in Cartago. The basilica is considered the most important religious site in Costa Rica and attracts thousands of pilgrims each year.
The Feast of Our Lady of the Angels is a time for devout Catholics to pay homage to La Negrita. The celebrations begin on July 25th with the traditional “Romería,” a pilgrimage where devotees from all over the country walk to the basilica. Many pilgrims travel long distances, often walking barefoot or on their knees as a sign of devotion.
On August 2nd, the day of the actual feast, the basilica is filled with worshippers attending Masses throughout the day. The highlight of the celebration is the procession of La Negrita’s statue through the streets of Cartago. The statue is placed on a beautifully adorned carriage and carried by devotees in a grand parade. The procession is accompanied by music, dancing, and traditional costumes, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
During the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels, the city of Cartago comes alive with street vendors selling traditional food, crafts, and religious artifacts. It is a time for families to come together, reunite with loved ones, and celebrate their faith. The holiday is also marked by various cultural events, including music concerts, folk dances, and traditional performances.
The Feast of Our Lady of the Angels is not only a religious holiday but also a significant cultural event that showcases the deep-rooted faith and traditions of the Costa Rican people. It is a time of spiritual reflection, unity, and joy, as devotees come together to honor the Virgin Mary and express their devotion to La Negrita.
History of Feast of Our Lady of the Angels in Costa Rica
The Feast of Our Lady of the Angels, also known as La Negrita, is an important religious holiday in Costa Rica. It is celebrated on August 2nd every year and holds great significance for the people of Costa Rica.
The history of this holiday dates back to the 17th century. According to the legend, in 1635, a young indigenous girl named Juana Pereira found a small, black stone statue of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms while she was walking near the present-day town of Cartago. The statue was found on a rock along the banks of the Virilla River.
Juana Pereira took the statue home and placed it on a small altar. However, the statue mysteriously disappeared from her house and reappeared on the same rock where she had found it. This happened several times, and the townspeople began to believe that it was a divine sign.
News of the miraculous statue spread quickly, and people from all over the country started visiting the site to witness the wonders associated with it. The statue was believed to possess healing powers, and many miracles were attributed to it.
In 1824, the Catholic Church officially recognized the statue as Our Lady of the Angels, and a small chapel was built to house it. Over the years, the chapel has been expanded and renovated several times, and it is now known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels.
The Feast of Our Lady of the Angels became a national holiday in Costa Rica in 1824. It is a day of pilgrimage and devotion for thousands of Costa Ricans who travel to Cartago to pay homage to the statue. People walk for miles, some even on their knees, as a sign of penance and devotion. Many pilgrims carry small replicas of the statue or wear traditional costumes.
The celebration includes religious processions, masses, and prayers. The statue of Our Lady of the Angels is taken from the basilica and carried through the streets of Cartago, allowing the faithful to get closer to it and seek blessings. The atmosphere is filled with fervor, faith, and devotion.
The Feast of Our Lady of the Angels is not only a religious holiday but also a cultural event that showcases Costa Rican traditions and customs. It is a time for families and friends to come together, share meals, and enjoy traditional music and dances.
This holiday holds a special place in the hearts of Costa Ricans, as it represents their deep faith and devotion to the Virgin Mary. It is a time to reflect on their spiritual beliefs, seek blessings, and express gratitude for the miracles and favors received throughout the year.
How is Feast of Our Lady of the Angels celebrated in Costa Rica
The Feast of Our Lady of the Angels, also known as La Negrita, is one of the most important religious celebrations in Costa Rica. It is celebrated on August 2nd every year and is considered the country’s national holiday.
The celebration begins with a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago, which is located about 22 kilometers east of the capital, San Jose. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the country, and even from neighboring countries, travel on foot to the basilica as a sign of devotion and to seek blessings from the Virgin Mary.
The pilgrimage typically starts a few days before the actual feast day, with people walking long distances, sometimes barefoot, as a symbolic act of sacrifice and penance. Many pilgrims carry images of the Virgin Mary or wear special shirts or hats with her image.
Once the pilgrims reach the basilica, they participate in religious services, including Masses, processions, and the recitation of the rosary. The highlight of the celebration is the traditional “La Negrita” Mass, which takes place at midnight on August 2nd. This Mass is held in honor of the small black statue of the Virgin Mary, known as La Negrita, which is believed to have miraculous powers.
During the feast, the basilica and its surroundings are decorated with colorful banners, flowers, and lights. Food stalls and vendors selling religious artifacts, souvenirs, and traditional Costa Rican snacks are set up in the area, creating a festive atmosphere.
In addition to the religious activities, the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels is also a time for Costa Ricans to come together as a community. Families and friends gather to share meals, music, and dance. It is common to see traditional Costa Rican folk dances and music performances during the celebration.
Overall, the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels is a combination of religious devotion, cultural traditions, and national pride. It is a time for Costa Ricans to express their faith, celebrate their heritage, and come together as a community.
Dates
Feast of Our Lady of the Angels will be celebrated in Costa Rica on 2023-08-02, 2024-08-02, 2025-08-02, 2026-08-02, 2027-08-02 in the comming years.