Juan Santamaría Day is celebrated as a national holiday in Costa Rica each year on April 11th. It is a commemoration of the country's most notable hero, Juan Santamaría, a poor laborer who played a pivotal role in defending Costa Rica during the action of the 1856 Battle of Rivas against William Walker and his group of filibusters who sought to conquer Central America. Santamaría's audacious act of bravery is a source of great national pride and has solidified his place in Costa Rican history.
The holiday is marked by a variety of festivities that take place mainly in Santamaría's hometown, Alajuela. Parades, public concerts, traditional dances, and performances are part of the features of the celebration. School bands from all over the country take part in music-filled marches, and government officials often honor Santamaría's memory with speeches and ceremonies. Prominent among these is the traditional laying of a wreath at the statue of Santamaría.
The Juan Santamaría Day is more than a celebration; it's a reminder of Costa Rican resilience and bravery. Santamaría, though a humble drummer boy, was willing to risk his life for the defense of his country, becoming a symbol of national unity and identity. His self-sacrifice is a constant reminder for Costa Ricans of the price of freedom and the importance of loyalty to one's country.