Who Is Juan Santamaria?

Juan Santamaría (August 29, 1831 – April 11, 1856) is the national hero of Costa Rica. A humble laborer and drummer boy from Alajuela, he posthumously gained fame for his actions during the Second Battle of Rivas in the Filibuster War. On April 11, 1856, Santamaría volunteered for a suicide mission to set fire to the 'Mesón de Guerra,' a hostel where William Walker's filibusters were entrenched. His courageous act, though costing him his life, was pivotal in securing a Costa Rican victory, preventing Walker from conquering Central America. He symbolizes Costa Rican national sovereignty, bravery, and self-sacrifice. His 'experience' in years refers to his time as a soldier in the campaign, which was very short before his heroic act; he died at the age of 24 (often cited as 25 due to year calculation). For the purpose of 'experience' in a professional sense, it would be minimal, hence 0, but his life experience culminated in this defining moment.

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