"Los vecinos acudieron presurosos y desplegaron admirable actividad, rayana en heroísmo": incendio y reedificación del templo parroquial de San Juan de Tibás

Abstract

This article analyzes the ecclesiastical evolution of San Juan during the nineteenth century, emphasizing the tragic fire that burned down its parish church at the end of that century. Rebuilding the church represented a chance to prove the sanjuaneño’s bravery and solidarity, as well as the neighboring town’s spirit of collaboration and generous friendship. Additionally, the process of reconstruction nurtured and reproduced San Juan’s sociability, everyday life, and its communal structures, thus strengthening and recreating the sanjuaneño’s identity. Finally, it also promoted values that are still much needed in Costa Rican society today, and prepared the road for the ensuing struggles to obtain an aqueduct and the status of canton starting in 1914.