Juan Santamaría Statue

Alajuela is Costa Rica's second-largest city, home to the statue of Juan Santamaría - the national hero of Costa Rica. This monument honors the young drummer boy who sacrificed his life in 1856 during the Battle of Rivas against William Walker's filibusters. Santamaría has become a symbol of Costa Rican courage and national identity, and the city celebrates him annually on April 11th, a national holiday.