![]() ![]() The war began when William Walker, a United States filibuster, or person engaged in unauthorized warfare against a foreign country, overthrew the government of Nicaragua in 1856 and attempted to conquer the other nations in Central America, including Costa Rica, in order to form a private slaveholding empire. Participation in the Filibuster War Ī depiction of the Second Battle of Rivas under the statue of Santamaría in Alajuela He was a drummer boy in the Costa Rican army until his death in the Second Battle of Rivas while completing the heroic deed for which he is remembered. Santamaría had many jobs in Alajuela such as a sweets vendor, laborer, coffee picker, and, finally, a drummer in the military band of Alajuela, which lead him to become a drummer for the Costa Rican Army. He went to elementary school in Alajuela before working from a young age. His mother was María Manuela Santamaría, and his father was unknown. Santamaría was born in the city of Alajuela on August 29, 1831. Along with commemorating his heroic acts, many historical studies have been done to investigate the true identity and actions of Juan Santamaría. Later, the main airport of Costa Rica, and the historical museum of Alajuela were named after him, and many literary, musical, and art works have been created in his honor. ![]() On September 15, 1891, a huge bronze statue of the hero was erected in Juan Santamaría de Alajuela Park in his home town, Alajuela. A national holiday in Costa Rica, Juan Santamaría Day, is held annually on April 11 to commemorate his death. Thirty five years after his death, he began to be idealized and was used as a propaganda tool to inspire Costa Rican nationalism. He died in the battle carrying a torch he used to light the enemy stronghold on fire, securing a victory for Costa Rica against American mercenary William Walker and his imperialist forces. Juan Santamaría Rodríguez (Aug– April 11, 1856) was a drummer in the Costa Rican army, officially recognized as the national hero of his country for his actions in the 1856 Second Battle of Rivas, in the Filibuster War.
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