This Monday, December 1, Costa Rica celebrates one of its most meaningful national holidays: the anniversary of the abolition of the army. Every year, the country pauses to remember and celebrate the moment in 1948 when Costa Rica made the historic decision to dissolve its military and redirect those resources toward education, health and the well being of its people.
It’s a day that makes Costa Ricans proud, as it reflects the values that shape the country, especially peace, freedom and the belief that investing in people creates a stronger nation.
The abolition of the army had a lasting impact on Costa Rican society. It helped strengthen a civic and democratic political system at a time when many countries in Latin America faced military coups and periods of instability. It also set the foundations for the strong public institutions Costa Rica is known for today, including the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, created in 1949 to safeguard transparent and trustworthy elections.
Redirecting military spending allowed the country to expand its social programs in the following decades, leading to major investments in public education, health services and infrastructure. These decisions shaped the Costa Rica we know today and contributed to its long-term stability and growth.
Las Catalinas joins the celebration, as in Town the spirit of this day blends naturally with the environment around us and the feelings of calm, tranquility and peace we experience here. We are thankful for a decision made 77 years ago, one that has had a profound influence in shaping Costa Rica into the country we know today.
Just as the final words of the Costa Rican national anthem remind us: “¡vivan siempre el trabajo y la paz!” (may work and peace always live on!)