The Battle of Rivas

                                                   

                                        Juan Santamaria Park in Alajuela, Costa Rica

On April 11, 1856 this battle occured between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. A North America, William Walker, led Nicaragua forces in an attempt to invade Costa Rica as part of his master plan to enslave the countries of Central America and become the head of this mini empire. He had overthrown the government of Nicaragua and his 'army' marched into Costa Rica only to be defeated by a coaliy.tion of farmers wielding nothing more than machetes.  

A 19 year old soldier drummer boy named Juan Santamaria became a hero when he set fire to the hostel that Walker and his commanders where staying at. This action cost Juan Santamaria his life but it also caused Walker and his troops to retreat thus sparing the people of Costa Rica the impending slavery that had been planned for them.  

Juan Santamaria is a hero and his memory lives on in many ways. The international airport is named after him. In April there is celebrated Juan Santamaria day with a huge parade, concerts and other various festivities through out the day.

The celebrations are most intense in the city that I reside in, Alajuela. That's because Juan Santamaria was from here. He was the illegitimate son of a single mother and a poor laborer prior to joining the army.