During the second half of the nineteenth century slavery prevalent in some countries in America, and the United States and Brazil. This had a large impact on the historical fact of Costa Rica known as "The National Campaign", as the American William Walker intended to submit to the yoke the people of Central America, with his imperialist ideas.

The United States was in the process of development, so the arrival of Walker to Central America favored the expansionist policy of that country to take over other lands and to exert their dominance.

 At that time the president of Costa Rica was Don Juan Rafael Mora Porras, known as Juanito Mora, who faced the threat of filibuster group, led by Walker, who intended to invade the country. Consequently, President Mora Porras called the Costa Rican people and organized an army to defend national sovereignty.

 Once he formed the army, it marched to Guanacaste to face the filibusters. On March 20th, 1856 at Santa Rosa, Costa Rican troops fought the first battle, and with a proper military strategy they defeated the invaders forcing them to leave the territory.

 This was the first victory of the Costa Rican army, which greatly enhanced the confidence and morale of the people to continue fighting, to stop filibustering in Central America.

The traditional oxcart is the most famous form of handicraft in Costa Rica. Since the mid-nineteenth century, oxcarts were used to transport coffee beans from the central valley of Costa Rica, in the mountains, to Puntarenas on the Pacific coast.

 This type of wagon was decreed National Symbol, on March 22nd, 1988 by Decree No. 18197-C, and published in La Gaceta No. 131 on July 11th, 1988 during the presidency of Dr. Oscar Arias Sánchez. It was declared a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on November 24th 2005.

 It symbolizes the culture of peace and the work of Costa Rica - humility, patience, sacrifice, and perseverance in the quest to achieve their goals.

The Earth Hour WWF started Earth Hour in 2007 to unite the world and make a stand against climate change. Today, Earth Hour is the world's largest environmental movement for the planet that involves more than 162 countries and 7000 cities worldwide. 

 We invite you to be part of this hour, to contribute with the planet and to help raise conciousness about climate change.