Famous People From Costa Rica

Famous People from Costa Rica:
Francisco Amighetti (1907 - 1998) -- He is of Italian descent. His artistic talent was recognized when he was in high school. His art teachers encouraged him to enroll in the Academia de Bellas Artes. Here he was given drawing and painting lessons which helped him to perfect his technique. Initially, Amighetti received recognition through his cartoons that were getting published. His work covered many different styles such as xylographs, oil and water paintings, and others. He traveled to different countries to display his work. His work received international recognition by 1950s as it was exhibited in many parts of the world.   

Juan Santamaría (August 29, 1831 - April 11, 1856) -- He is considered as the national hero of Costa Rica. An American adventurer, William Walker, attempted to take over Central American countries including Costa Rica to create a slave-holding empire. The President Costa Rica gave a call asking general population to take up arms to fight the invader along with the army. Santamaria was a poor laborer and he joined the army as a drummer boy. There was a difficult task of moving towards a hostel where the enemy was present but had set the hostel on fire. Many soldiers tried and failed. Santamaria volunteered to do this difficult task and he succeeded even though he himself died in the process. He made the supreme sacrifice for the cause of his nation and his people. Juan Santamaria Day is held on April 11, every year to commemorate his sacrifice. The main international airport in Costa Rica is named after him.

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