Juan Santamaría Day
April 11 · Level 8 · #449 of 2238
Juan Santamaría Day is a Costa Rican public holiday honoring a national hero of the 1856 Battle of Rivas. In the country's established account, he died after setting fire to a building held by William Walker's forces.
How it is celebrated: commemorative ceremonies, parades and school bands mark the occasion. Celebrations are especially prominent in Alajuela, Santamaría's hometown, where flowers are laid at his monument.
Costa Rica's principal international airport carries his name. For many arriving travelers, their first encounter with the country's history is therefore a tribute to this soldier.