Born on August 29, 1831 Alajuela Province, Santamaría is remembered for his bravery during the Second Battle of Rivas, in Nicaragua, on April 11, 1856.

During the conflict, Costa Rican forces fought against an invading army led by William Walker, an American physician, lawyer, journalist, and mercenary who aimed to establish private colonies in Central America.

Santamaría died in Rivas, while carrying a torch to set fire to the enemy stronghold where Walker and his soldiers had taken refuge, ultimately securing a Costa Rican victory.

According to the Ministry of Public Education, his actions represent the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for the nation’s independence.

In 2011, Congress formally declared Juan Santamaría a national hero and designated April 11 as an official holiday to commemorate his legacy.

His memory is honored across the country, particularly in Alajuela Province.

In 1891, French sculptor Aristide Croisy created a bronze statue of Santamaría that now stands in Juan Santamaría Park in the city of Alajuela.

Three years later, in 1974, the Juan Santamaría Museum was established in Alajuela City. The museum features a wide range of historical materials, including writings, paintings, and illustrations documenting his life and contribution to the country’s development.

In Alajuela, the holiday is celebrated with the most vibrant and patriotic festivities in the country each April 11. The city becomes the focal point of national pride, attracting locals, students, and visitors for a full day of commemorations including a civic parade, featuring marching bands from schools, folk dance groups in traditional dress, and students carrying Costa Rican flags.

To mark the holiday, the Costa Rican government has authorized vacation leave for most public-sector employees in non-essential services. This includes workers at schools, universities, technical institutes, academies, banks, municipalities, clinics, Congress, ministries, and other government agencies. Non-governmental organizations such as embassies, consulates, and international institutions are also included in the holiday observance.

Essential services, including electricity, water, public security, transportation, and healthcare, remain operational. Agencies such as the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity, the Water and Sewage Institute, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, and the Social Security System are required to maintain normal operations throughout the holiday period.

In the private sector, the Labor Code guarantees the day as a paid holiday. Employees who are required to work on April 11 are entitled to double their regular wages.