The educational community in Alajuela commemorated the 170th anniversary of the Battle of Rivas and the heroic act of Juan Santamaría on April 11, a date considered significant for national identity.
The event began at 7:00 a.m. with an official civic ceremony in Parque Juan Santamaría, attended by Vice President Mary Munive, Minister of Public Education José Leonardo Sánchez Hernández, Alajuela Mayor Roberto Thompson Chacón, student delegations, and members of the public. The program included renditions of Costa Rica’s National Anthem and the Hymn to Juan Santamaría, as well as speeches from tenth-grade student Sebástian Cascante Alvarado from Colegio Redentorista San Alfonso and government officials.
A floral tribute was placed before the monument to national hero Juan Santamaría in honor of his decisive action during the burning of Mesón de Guerra in Rivas, Nicaragua on April 11, 1856—a key moment in defending Costa Rican sovereignty. Following this tribute, traditional parades took place through streets near the park with participation from 29 delegations comprising over three thousand students who marched approximately nine hundred meters to Fuente de la Libertad.
Bands brought music and civic spirit to Alajuela’s streets during these festivities. Minister Sánchez Hernández said this anniversary is an opportunity for students to value freedom, identity, unity, empathy, and commitment: “La Costa Rica que soñamos no empieza mañana, empieza en lo que hacemos hoy, porque este país pequeño en tamaño ha sido enorme cuando se trata de defender lo correcto.”
Student Cascante Alvarado encouraged deeper reflection on history: “Los invito a más que leer para un examen obligados… La realidad siempre se empieza por uno mismo, por ser mejores personas en todo lo posible.”
Across Costa Rica schools marked this day on April 10 according to the academic calendar. Each year—especially in Alajuela—the country remembers pivotal moments from its National Campaign against foreign invasion (1856–1857), including both the Battle of Rivas and Juan Santamaría’s decisive actions.
