JFK in Costa Rica: A Landmark Moment in Central American Diplomacy

In 1963, the President of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, visited Costa Rica to meet with several leaders of the region and was received here at the National Theatre. Kennedy was in Costa Rica with a scheduled agenda that included luncheons, receptions, conferences, and a visit to the National Theatre. https://micostaricadeantano.com/2019/03/18/la-visita-de-kennedy-a-costa-rica/

The President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, arrived in Costa Rica on March 18, 1963. He landed by helicopter at La Sabana, just days after the Irazú Volcano had begun erupting. The purpose of his trip was to participate in a meeting with the presidents of Central America and Panama at the National Theater.

Upon his arrival, he traveled along Paseo Colón, attended the conference, and spent time with students from the University of Costa Rica.

At that time, the president of Costa Rica was Francisco J. Orlich, and the U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica was Raymond Telles. On the day Kennedy arrived, the wind patterns had shifted, and ash from the Irazú eruption directly affected San José. President Kennedy and the other guests witnessed firsthand the impact of an active volcano.

This would be his final visit to Costa Rica. Tragedy struck the United States later that year when President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas on November 22, 1963.

The image of President Kennedy entering the National Theater was taken by Francisco Coto, a Costa Rican dedicated to the art of photography. His exceptional work allows us to glimpse into the past. We thank the Francisco Coto Foundation for providing the photograph.

President John F. Kennedy's Address at the Teatro Nacional in San Jose, March 18, 1963

President Kennedy In Costa Rica (1963)

John F. Kennedy visited Costa Rica in March 1963 for the Conference of Presidents of the Central American Republics, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to visit the country. During his visit, he met with Central American leaders at the National Theater to promote the Alliance for Progress and gave a speech at the University of Costa Rica.

Purpose of the visit: Kennedy attended the Conference of Presidents of the Central American Republics in San José to strengthen economic and political unity in the region.

Key activities:

• He met with the leaders of Central American nations to discuss the Alliance for Progress, a program designed to support economic development in Latin America.

• He delivered a speech to students at the University of Costa Rica, marking the first time a U.S. president addressed a student audience in Latin America.

• He stayed at the Gran Hotel Costa Rica.

  
  

Context: The visit coincided with the eruption of the Irazú Volcano, whose ash was visible throughout San José.

Legacy: The visit contributed to the eventual creation of INCAE Business School.