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El Romero| Every year during the end of July through the second of August some 2 million people in this country of 4.2 million walk to Cartago. Last year we walked with them, the evening before. Streets were closed off for the walkers, there were booths of food, water, aid stations and what have you for the walkers. When we arrived in Cartago there were fireworks and crowds. This year we went on the morning of and it was a different experience.
To begin with was the garbage! There was this trail leading from San Jose to Cartago. Many people in this country just pitch their garbage, and there is a lot of "stuff" people pick up along the way during the walk. Food, drinks, handouts, and much of it finds itself on the road side.
I was surprised at the number of walkers during the day. Many more must travel in the evening. Cooler? Off work? But the crowds were much less this year for us. Last time the roads were totally occupied by the walkers, traffic was diverted to other places. This time they were only 2 or 3 deep. This time the make shift shops were all striking their structures and going home when we walked by. We arrived at the basilica we were even able to get in! Last year there was no hope of that!
Of course fireworks! What's a holiday without fireworks!
We ate in town, about 3 yards from the president of the country (where else can you do THAT!), explored an are of the basilica I'd never seen before (there's a museum below the church) and caught the bus home (this time we knew where to look!). I think for the past four hours all we've been able to do is sleep. But life is returning.
It is quite something to see half the country mobilize for an event like this. Young, old, blind, tired, with dogs, on horses, on bikes, running. All taking time to be a part of this great human migration. And we were there (again)... |
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