Blog 9: A key event

Juan Santamaria Day is a key event in Costa Rican history. As I presented Juan Santamaria in another blog post about important Costa Ricans, I think it be important and significant that I speak about an important day that is very much celebrated still in Costa Rica. Juan Santamaria Day is celebrated every April 11th with grand celebrations. Depending on the area of the country it is celebrated differently however a party is held regardless. The day celebrates the victory of Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaria at the Battle of Rivas against U.S Citizen William Walker. William Walker had already overthrown the Nicaraguan government and was heading further into Central American countries. Due to Juan’s bravery the victory is still celebrated today regardless of the country’s No Army stance.

Celebrations are spread out in Costa Rica with parades, parties, dances, and concerts. The largest parties are held in the Alajuela, were Juan Santamaria was born and raised and are a must to participate in if you are there in April. Little drummer boys dress and march with flags, representing the love and devotion to the nations hero. Drums are a crucial aspect of the celebrations as Santamaria was just a drummer boy and became the hero he is today. Music and hand-made drums of any kind are marched and played throughout the streets. Attractions such as trapezists, dancers, and school groups all march the streets to celebrate the glorious day. The day may be compared to the 4th of July in the U.S with different school bands and students marching the streets and throwing candy, to paint a picture of the day. The national colors: blue, red, and white are wore through different uniforms and traditional Costa Rican clothing. The day is typically very hot and parties begin throughout the day. In provinces such as: Puntarenas, Limon, and Guanacaste, the more beach provinces parties take place on boats with large sails throughout the ocean. Each provinces has different celebrations for the day and because school is still in session, student craft days before the big event. I remember as a kid in private school in Costa Rica we were taught about the day and made different drawings and pictures for our parents. We were taught about the battles and the highs and lows of the fighting in Central America while in the US we’re are just taught the nice and sheltered version of history. The reality of how Juan Santamaria saved Costa Rica was always taught to us as kids and is very much expresses through the festivities of the day.