Francisca “Pancha” Carrasco Jiménez has been officially declared Benemérita de la Patria for her contributions to the defense of Costa Rica’s sovereignty and as the first woman to serve in the National Army during the 1856-1857 National Campaign. The recognition was made official by Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly in 2025, according to Article Único of Expediente N.º 25.226.
Carrasco Jiménez had previously been recognized as a “National Heroine and Defender of Patriotic Liberties” by the Legislative Assembly under Law N.° 7452 in 1994.
Each year on March 8, Costa Rica marks several observances. Since 1998, March 8 is recognized as the Day of School Cafeteria Workers, established by Decree N.° 27063-MEP, honoring those who contribute daily to educational communities.
March 8 also serves as International Women’s Day in Costa Rica, acknowledging women’s ongoing struggle for equality, labor rights, political participation, and social justice.
Minister of Public Education Leonardo Sánchez recently unveiled a commemorative plaque at Colegio Técnico Profesional Uladislao “Lalo” Gámez Solano. Gámez Solano was Costa Rica’s first Minister of Education during the Second Republic and is honored as Benemérito de las Letras Patrias.
In other developments this month, Canal 13 will bring back a well-known educational program aimed at promoting knowledge and culture among young people in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has joined the School Meals Coalition led by the United Nations World Food Programme. By joining over 100 countries, Costa Rica aims to ensure that every child receives a healthy school meal each day by 2030.
The annual commemoration of the armed conflict between Costa Rica and Panama also takes place around this time. The conflict stemmed from territorial disputes over Coto—recognized as part of Costa Rica through both the Loubet Award and Anderson-Porras Treaty signed in 1900. The battle occurred between February 21 and March 5, 1921: while Costa Rican forces were defeated in Coto after three attacks from Panamanian troops coming from David, events unfolded differently in Bocas del Toro.
Additionally, educators are invited by the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) to apply for the Mauro Fernández Acuña Teaching Excellence Award.
