History

Our Lady of the Angels is the patron saint of Costa Rica, and her celebration dates back to August 2, 1635, when a young woman named Juana Pereira found a small stone statue of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus in a forest near Cartago. Despite taking it home, the image mysteriously disappeared, returning to the place where it was found. This phenomenon repeated several times, leading the locals to consider the event a miracle. Soon, the statue was moved to the local church, where it began to be venerated. In 1824, Our Lady of the Angels was declared the official patroness of Costa Rica, and since then she has been a symbol of faith and devotion for the Costa Rican people."

The “romería” is an annual pilgrimage held on August 2, where thousands of people from all over the country and beyond walk to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago to pay homage to the Virgin. This tradition has been part of Costa Rican culture for decades and is considered an act of faith and devotion. Pilgrims walk many kilometers, some starting from San José, often as a way to fulfill promises or seek blessings. The pilgrimage is a manifestation of unity and spirituality that reflects the deep connection Costa Ricans have with their faith and religious history. During the day, pilgrims participate in masses and religious activities that culminate in the celebration of the Day of Our Lady of the Angels, an event of great spiritual and cultural importance for Costa Rica.

Labor Legislation:

• Official Date:

  Friday, August 2, 2024.

• Day Observed:

  Friday, August 2, 2024.

• Holiday Type:

  Non-mandatory payment.

• Law:

  Law No. 8805. This law was approved on April 28, 2010, and establishes August 2 as a non-mandatory paid holiday, in recognition of the religious and cultural importance of Our Lady of the Angels as the patroness of the country.

Regulations:

"It is not included in Law No. 9875 that transfers holidays, so its observance remains on Friday, August 2."

"The regulations state that all workers have the right to enjoy the holiday; therefore, they cannot be forced to work, nor can they be sanctioned for this reason."

"As this is a non-mandatory paid holiday, companies with weekly payments (in non-commercial activities), which recognize only the time actually worked during the week, must pay only for the days worked without including the holiday pay. If the employee does not work that day, no sanctions can be applied. The only exceptions are established in Articles 152 and 153 of the Labor Code. If the employee works on the holiday, a regular day’s wage must be paid. If overtime is worked on this holiday, it must be compensated at time and a half, i.e., regular pay."

"Companies that pay monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly in commercial activities must pay the full salary for the week, half-month, or month, including August 2. If employees work that holiday, they must add an additional day’s salary, resulting in double pay. If overtime is worked on the holiday, it must be paid at double and a half time, meaning triple pay."

"Regardless of whether the company is national, multinational, or international, it must grant this holiday to employees working in Costa Rica. Any agreement that implies the waiver of enjoying holidays is absolutely null and void under Article 11 of the Labor Code."

Source: Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) Website www.mtss.go.cr