PaulPallazola
Juan Santa Maria (1831-1856), Costa Rica’s national hero, is depicted on this statue in Alejuela Park. Santa Maria is credited for setting fire to a building held by mercenaries led by William Walker in the 2nd battle of Rivas, April 11, 1856. Walker had led an army of soldiers of fortune determined to conquer Costa Rica & Nicaragua and have them admitted to the United States as slave States. Santa Maria sacrificed his life torching the garrison and his bravery rallied the Costa Rican soldiers to defeat Walter’s band. Costa Ricans celebrate April 11th each year as Juan Santa Maria Day.
