April 11: Juan Santamaria Day

Juan Santamaria Day is a national holiday celebrated in Costa Rica. In the mid-19th century, a number of Americans attempted to foment insurrections in Latin American countries, which was known as filibustering. One more successful attempt overthrew the government of Nicaragua and attempted to take over surrounding nations.

In 1856, Costa Rica was being invaded. The president called upon the general population to take up arms; Juan Santamaria answered the call. The illegitimate son of a single mother, he joined as a drummer. On April 8, the Second Battle of Rivas began. By April 11, the battle was still at a standstill, with the invaders having taken residence in a hostel near the center of town.

The general suggested that a single man attempt to light the hostel on fire. After several failed attempts, Juan Santamaria took up the torch; he first made the others promise to take care of his mother if he should die. He was mortally wounded, but before dying, he lit the hostel on fire, which turned the tide of the battle.

Now I lay in my grave at age 21
Long before you were born
Before I bore a son
What good did it do?
Well hopefully for you
A world without war
A life full of color

-War Was In Color, Carbon Leaf