The Costa Rican Civil War in the spring of 1948 was the bloodiest event of the 20th century in this Central American country. It is fitting that after the war, President José Figueres Ferrer drafted a new constitution, guaranteeing universal suffrage and the dismantling of the military.
On December 1st 1948, the armed forces of Costa Rica were formally abolished.
President Carlos Alvarado signed the law that establishes the new holiday on May 19th 2020 in a ceremony, held at the National Museum.
The signing act was accompanied by the song to the Abolition of the Army by the Costa Rican composer Carlos Guzmán, which is sung at each commemoration of this historic milestone.
The museum was once the Bellavista Fortress, where military recruits trained and weapons were stored. After the army was abolished, President Figueres offered the fortress to the University of Costa Rica, and by 1950 it had become the permanent venue for the National Museum.
Commenting on the new holiday, Alvarado said: “The resources that the government of the republic would have historically had to invest in a defence system based on weapons were wisely diverted to direct expenses for the well-being of Costa Ricans.”