At Green Circle Experience, we believe that traveling is not only about discovering breathtaking landscapes but also about connecting with the soul of a nation. In Costa Rica, few dates resonate as deeply with our national identity as April 11th—a day that commemorates Juan Santamaría, the young drummer boy who changed the course of Central American history with an act of pure courage.

The Historical Backdrop: Defending Central America from Invasion

In the mid-19th century, Costa Rica faced one of its greatest threats. A group of American mercenaries, known as filibusters and led by William Walker, sought to take control of Central America and establish slaveholding colonies. Walker had already declared himself president of Nicaragua and was advancing his influence across the region.

Costa Rica, under President Juan Rafael Mora, responded with determination. Citizens of all ages volunteered to defend their homeland and preserve freedom, embarking on what is now called La Campaña Nacional de 1856–1857 (The National Campaign).

The Battle of Rivas: April 11th, 1856

The Battle of Rivas was not just another military engagement—it was a defining chapter in Costa Rica’s struggle for sovereignty and justice in Central America. On April 11th, 1856, Costa Rican forces marched into Rivas, a strategically important town in southern Nicaragua, to confront the army of William Walker, a North American mercenary who had declared himself president of Nicaragua and aimed to create a pro-slavery empire in the region.

As the battle intensified, Walker’s men took shelter inside a fortified inn known as El Mesón de Guerra. This structure provided the filibusters with an overwhelming tactical advantage, as they were able to shoot at Costa Rican soldiers from behind thick adobe walls. Despite heavy fire and mounting casualties, the Costa Rican troops pressed forward, determined to dislodge the invaders.

In the midst of the chaos, the commanders recognized that the only way to force the filibusters out was to burn the building down. But this was no ordinary task—it meant running through a hail of bullets to reach the structure with fire in hand.

That’s when a 19-year-old drummer boy from Alajuela, Juan Santamaría, stepped forward. According to accounts from the time, he asked only one thing before embarking on the suicidal mission: that someone take care of his mother if he didn’t return. Carrying a torch and wrapped in soaked rags to protect him from the flames, he charged forward under heavy enemy fire.

He managed to reach the building and set it ablaze before being struck down. The flames quickly engulfed the stronghold, forcing the filibusters to flee and allowing Costa Rican troops to seize control. The act of a single young man—driven by courage and love for his country—turned the tide of the battle and helped lead to a decisive Costa Rican victory.

The success at Rivas not only crippled Walker’s campaign but also served as a rallying cry for Central American unity and resistance against foreign intervention. To this day, the Battle of Rivas is seen as a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s national identity.

Who Was Juan Santamaría?

Juan Santamaría was not born into fame or power. He grew up in the modest neighborhood of El barrio del Llano de Alajuela, raised by a single mother in a working-class family. Like many young men of his time, he joined the army not for glory, but out of a sense of duty to protect his homeland.

He began his service as a drummer—a role typically reserved for signaling troops during battles—but it was his actions off the battlefield rhythm that etched his name into history. Despite his humble beginnings, Juan displayed a rare kind of heroism: the kind that doesn’t seek recognition, but is moved by love for country and an unshakable belief in doing what is right.

For many years, Juan’s story lived on primarily through oral tradition—tales told by veterans, families, and local communities who remembered the brave boy who gave his life in Rivas. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that his heroism was officially recognized by the Costa Rican government, and his name began to appear in history books, public monuments, and national commemorations.

Today, Juan Santamaría is celebrated as Costa Rica’s national hero. Statues in his honor stand tall in Alajuela and San José, his legacy taught in every school, and his story passed from generation to generation. More than a soldier, he represents the values that define Costa Rica: humility, bravery, solidarity, and an unwavering commitment to peace and freedom.

At Green Circle Experience, we believe stories like Juan’s are essential to understanding the true spirit of Costa Rica. His courage reminds us that greatness often arises from the most unexpected places—and that even the simplest among us can change the course of history.

Commemorating April 11th Today

Declared a national holiday, April 11th is a day of civic celebration across the country. The city of Alajuela, Santamaría’s birthplace, becomes the heart of the commemoration. Parades, reenactments, school events, and ceremonies take place, honoring not just one hero, but a collective spirit of resistance and unity.

Travelers can visit the Juan Santamaría Historical Museum in Alajuela to learn more about the campaign and its significance. Statues and monuments across the country pay tribute to the young hero whose torch lit the flame of freedom.

A Living Legacy for Travelers

For those who travel with purpose, April 11th offers a unique opportunity to witness Costa Rica’s living history. At Green Circle Experience, we encourage our guests to engage with local traditions and historical sites, understanding that sustainability is not only about protecting nature—it’s also about preserving culture.

In every story of resistance and resilience, we find inspiration. Juan Santamaría’s courage reminds us that one person can make a difference—and that the values of bravery, solidarity, and love for one’s homeland are as relevant today as they were in 1856.

The Aftermath and National Identity

The victory at the Battle of Rivas was more than a military triumph—it was a turning point in the construction of Costa Rica’s national identity and collective consciousness. The defeat of William Walker and his filibusters marked the beginning of the end for imperialist ambitions in Central America. It sent a powerful message: this small but determined nation would not bow to foreign powers, nor would it allow its destiny to be dictated by those seeking domination through violence and exploitation.

In the months following the battle, the Costa Rican army continued its campaign, helping to push Walker’s forces further into retreat. Though the war was costly—claiming lives and spreading diseases like cholera throughout the region—it sparked a profound transformation in how Costa Ricans saw themselves. The campaign became a unifying force, transcending political divisions and provincial rivalries.

For the first time in the country’s young history, Costa Ricans were not just inhabitants of a territory—they were defenders of a republic. They had come together not only to protect their borders but also to uphold liberty, dignity, and peace—values that continue to shape Costa Rica’s national character to this day.

Central to this transformation was the story of Juan Santamaría, whose act of heroism quickly became a symbol of what it meant to be truly Costa Rican. His legacy was immortalized not as the story of a conqueror or a general, but as that of a humble young man who risked—and gave—everything for the greater good. In a country without a standing army since 1948, the image of Santamaría reminds us that true strength lies not in weapons, but in conviction, courage, and unity.

As Costa Rica evolved through the decades, the legacy of the 1856 campaign and the Battle of Rivas became embedded in the cultural fabric of the nation. Schools began teaching the story of the National Campaign. Streets and parks were named in honor of the heroes. Monuments were erected, and every April 11th became a day not just of remembrance, but of national celebration.

Today, the values forged in that time—peace, democracy, independence, and solidarity—remain at the heart of Costa Rica’s international image and domestic policy. These are the same values that inspired the country to abolish its army, invest in education and the environment, and become a global leader in sustainability and human development.