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Virgin of Los Angeles Day

Honor the Virgin of Los Angeles on her special day with prayers, processions, and offerings to show your devotion and gratitude.

Sunday

August 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAugust 2

OBSERVED INCosta Rica

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYChristian

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

On August 2, we celebrate the Virgin of Los Angeles Day – a special holiday in Costa Rica that honors the country's patron saint, La Negrita. Legend has it that in 1635, a young Indigenous girl found a small black stone carving of the Virgin Mary on a rock and took it home with her. The next day, the stone had disappeared and reappeared back at its original spot. This miracle led to the construction of the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles and the annual pilgrimage to this sacred site on August 2nd. Today, this holiday is celebrated with processions, performances, and religious ceremonies throughout Costa Rica. Let's join in on the festivities and honor this beloved figure!

TIMELINE

Virgin of Los Angeles Day Timeline

Initial Apparition

An Indigenous girl discovers a small stone statue of the Virgin Mary, later identified as the Virgin of Los Angeles, that mysteriously reappears on its original rock.

Building the First Church

A small church is constructed at the location of the Virgin's apparition to accommodate believers who come to pray and seek miracles.

Canonization and Patroness Declaration

The Catholic Church officializes the Virgin of Los Angeles as the Patroness of Costa Rica and the statue is solemnly crowned in the Vatican.

Building the Basílica

The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles is finished, where the original statue remains and attracts faithful pilgrims especially on August 2nd.

Cultural Heritage Designation

The Basilica is declared a national cultural heritage site, reinforcing its national and religious importance.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Virgin of Los Angeles Day

Attend a procession

Join in on the traditional religious procession in honor of the Virgin of Los Angeles. This is a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate the day.

MAKE

Make an altar

Create your own altar at home to honor the Virgin of Los Angeles. Decorate it with flowers, candles, and other meaningful items to pay tribute to her.

LEARN

Learn about the history

Take some time to research and learn about the history and significance of the Virgin of Los Angeles. This will deepen your understanding and appreciation for the holiday.

TRY

Try traditional foods

Indulge in some traditional Costa Rican dishes like gallo pinto, tamales, and arroz con pollo to celebrate the culture and cuisine of the country on Virgin of Los Angeles Day.

VISIT

Visit a shrine

If you are able to, make a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, where the statue of the Virgin of Los Angeles is kept. This is a popular destination for many on this special day.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Virgin of Los Angeles Day

It's a day of unity and community

Virgin of Los Angeles Day brings people together from all walks of life - whether they are religious or not - to celebrate a common bond. It's a day to appreciate the beauty of diversity and come together as a community to honor a shared tradition.

It's a day to honor the patron saint of Costa Rica

Virgin of Los Angeles Day is a special holiday in Costa Rica that celebrates their patron saint, the Virgin Mary. It's a time for people to come together and honor their faith and traditions, and pay tribute to the influential figure of the Virgin Mary.

It's a day of spiritual and cultural significance

On Virgin of Los Angeles Day, many people in Costa Rica participate in religious processions and attend mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels. It's a time to reflect on one's faith and heritage, and to celebrate the rich culture of Costa Rica.