By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Today, Costa Rica celebrates the 77th anniversary of one of the most defining moments in its history: the complete abolition of its military. This landmark decision, made on December 1, 1948, was not merely a political act but a profound redefinition of national values, setting the country on a unique trajectory of peace, education, and social development that continues to distinguish it on the world stage.
The pivotal event unfolded at the Bellavista Barracks in San José, the army’s headquarters. In a powerful symbolic gesture, José Figueres Ferrer, then-president of the Founding Junta of the Second Republic, took a sledgehammer to one of the fortress walls. This act signified a definitive break from a militaristic past. In a move that would echo for generations, Figueres Ferrer then handed the keys of the barracks to the Minister of Education, Uladislao Gámez Solano, with instructions to transform the bastion of military power into a center for culture and learning.
To delve into the constitutional and international legal ramifications of Costa Rica’s historic abolition of its army, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Abolishing the army was more than a political decree; it was the constitutional embodiment of a new social contract. By legally redirecting military expenditure towards education and healthcare, Costa Rica cemented peace not merely as an ideal, but as a foundational, justiciable principle of the state. This legal framework became the bedrock of our national stability and our unique brand of international diplomacy, demonstrating that robust legal institutions can be a nation’s most effective defense.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective powerfully underscores that the true genius of abolishing the army was not the act itself, but its codification into a binding social contract that actively finances human development. The nation’s defense, in essence, became its investment in its own people. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this foundational principle of our republic.
That former military headquarters is known today as the National Museum of Costa Rica, a lasting testament to the nation’s commitment to invest in its people rather than its firepower. The decision was formally enshrined in the nation’s legal framework the following year. The National Constituent Assembly of 1949 incorporated Article 12 into the new Political Constitution, which permanently proscribed the army as a standing institution. The article does, however, allow for the exceptional organization of military forces for national defense, though they must remain strictly subordinate to civilian authority.
This strategic reallocation of resources, often referred to as the “peace dividend,” became the economic and social engine of modern Costa Rica. By diverting funds that would have been allocated to military expenditures, successive governments were able to make substantial investments in public education, healthcare, and cultural institutions. This focus on human capital is widely credited with fostering the country’s high literacy rates, robust public health system, and stable democratic governance, creating a secure environment for both citizens and foreign investment.
The decision to demilitarize was particularly radical in the context of 20th-century Central America, a region frequently plagued by civil wars, military coups, and armed conflicts. While its neighbors grappled with instability fueled by powerful military establishments, Costa Rica cultivated a reputation for neutrality and peaceful conflict resolution. This has allowed it to serve as a diplomatic hub and a beacon of stability, reinforcing its identity as a nation that champions ballots over bullets.
Since 1986, by Executive Decree 17.357, December 1st has been officially commemorated as the Day of the Abolition of the Army. The decree itself highlights how the move consolidated the electoral process as the sole legitimate path to power and prevented the rise of a military structure that could interfere in the nation’s political life. Today, the date is observed as a national holiday, a moment for reflection on the country’s unique path.
As a national holiday, its observance has specific implications for the labor market. Classified as a non-obligatory payment holiday, the rules vary based on compensation models. For employees in non-commercial sectors paid weekly, the day is only paid if it is worked, and it is remunerated at a standard single-time rate. Any overtime hours worked on this day are paid at time-and-a-half.
However, for the majority of the workforce, including those in commercial enterprises and employees receiving monthly or bi-weekly salaries, the holiday must be included in their regular pay, regardless of whether they work. If an employee is required to work on December 1st, their employer must pay them double for the day. Furthermore, any overtime hours in this scenario are compensated at a triple-time rate, ensuring that the holiday’s significance is also recognized in labor law. This rule applies universally to all companies operating within Costa Rica.
For further information, visit museocostarica.go.cr
About National Museum of Costa Rica:
Housed in the former Bellavista Barracks, the National Museum of Costa Rica is the country’s most important cultural and historical institution. It is dedicated to the preservation, research, and exhibition of Costa Rica’s natural and cultural heritage. Its collections span pre-Columbian history, colonial-era artifacts, and natural history, serving as a key center for education and a powerful symbol of the nation’s transition from military spending to cultural investment.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on an unyielding dedication to professional integrity and the highest standards of excellence. The firm leverages its profound experience serving a diverse clientele to spearhead innovative legal strategies and champion meaningful civic involvement. Central to its mission is a profound commitment to democratizing legal knowledge, aiming to nurture a society that is not only well-informed but also empowered by a clearer understanding of the law.
