The Culture in Nicaragua is the Richest and Most Varied in Central America!
Although Nicaragua has long been one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere it has traditionally been an outstanding producer of world class poets and writers. Perhaps the most famous of all has been Ruben Dario. Dario is also known as the “Prince of Castillian Letters”. He is the undisputed father of the Modernist Spanish Literary movement that began in Latin America during the end of the XIX Century. Ruben Dario was a prolific poet who published many books. The most important of which is titled “Azul” (Blue). Dario was born on February 6, 1867 in Matagalpa and died in 1916 at the age of 49 in Leon. His remains are buried in the Cathedral.
Ruben Dario traveled throughout America and Europe, and was an authentic ambassador of Nicaraguan Culture during his travels. He was probably the first Nicaraguan that became world known. He put Nicaragua on the map as far as culture is concerned.
Today, the most important center of culture in the country, the National Theatre in Managua, bears the name of this illustrious Nicaraguan. Although Dario is undisputedly most important poet and writer of Nicaragua of all times, he is not the only one. There are many other outstanding poets and writers in Nicaragua. Many of them are still alive and writing. Among the most outstanding contemporary literary writers of Nicaragua are Ernesto Cardenal, Giaconda Belli, Pablo Antonio Cuadra, Jose Coronel Urtecho and Ana Ilce. To honor this strong literary tradition, an annual poetry festival takes place every year in the city of Granada during the month of May.
There is no question that the Sandinista Revolution has had a profound effect on the general culture in Nicaragua. There are several places in Managua where you can enjoy what Nicaraguans call “testimonial music”. This is music with revolutionary lyrics that tell stories about the war and its heroes. Of course, Somoza is the “bad” guy in all of them.
One of the most outstanding singers in Nicaragua to this day is Carlos Mejia Godoy. Mejia Godoy is composer that has been prolific in writing songs about the young revolutionary men and women of Nicaragua. His songs tell the story of a fight to free the country from the oppression of the US backed Somoza regime in the 1970’s. Mejia Godoy, a true revolutionary at heart, has a restaurant bar in Managua. La “Casa de Hermanos Mejia Godoy” is an outstanding place to visit to catch a good bit of Nicaraguan culture. This type of music is exclusive to Nicaragua, you will not find it elsewhere in Central America; it is actually a very interesting and learning experience, especially if you understand Spanish, since all of the songs lyrics are of course in that language.
Important Town Fairs and National Traditions.
El Gueguense is a street theatre that represents a pacific resistance to the domain by the Spaniards. it dates back to the early XVII century, it is part of the folklore in Diriamba, in the department of Carazo. El Gueguese is a unique and intricate part of the culture of Nicaragua. The UNESCO gave it the status of Cultural Heritage of Humanity on the 25th of November of 2005! The celebration of El Gueguense takes place every year in Diriamba, Carazo. This during the fair in honor of Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of Diriamba, which the community celebrates on the third week of January.
One of the most outstanding expressions of culture in Nicaragua are the local fiestas in honor of the patron saint. All of these carry a deep religious expression and are a result of centuries of Catholic tradition in Nicaragua. The most outstanding cultural expression of this kind in the country is the “Griteria”. This is a religious ceremony that takes place throughout the country in honor of “La Purisima”. (The Very Pure, Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary). This celebration takes place on the 7th of December every year. It is important to take note because it is the most important religious celebration in Nicaragua. The whole country comes to a standstill for this one day event, which is a national holiday.[themify_hr color=”light-gray” width=”1px”]
The origin of this centuries old celebration goes back to 1562. A Spaniard, Don Lorenzo de Cepeda, who was navigating south towards Peru was forced to stop in what today is the port of El Realejo. He was carrying with him a small sculpture of the Virgin of the Conception. He decided to take refuge in a Franciscan monastery in the nearby city of El Viejo, and placed the statue in the Parish Church for safeguarding. The local church goers quickly became enthralled with the beauty of the “little white girl”, as they referred to the statue, which soon was declared as miraculous, by the community.
When Don Lorenzo was ready to continue his trip to Peru, he took the statue with him, against the will of parishioners; however no sooner had he lifted anchors he forced back into port by a tropical storm that once again delayed his departure. It was then agreed that the statue of the virgin should stay in El Realejo, as this was her wish!
Religious Celebrations Worth Attending When in Nicaragua
The celebration of the Purisma as known today dates back to 1857. It includes many processions, religious chants and songs. A generous amount of fireworks is always part of the tradition. The celebration takes place throughout Nicaragua. It is most unique in the cities of Leon, Chinandega and Managua.
Every city and town in the country has a patron saint. Each one of these towns holds cultural events and celebrations. These are all part of the local Catholic tradition. One of the classic celebrities in these events is the Gigantona. This is a giant lady that dances with a big headed midget. A third member of the party beats the drum. The midget recites verses that have a double meaning and make the spectators laugh. Between the verses, the drummer beats up a melody and the giant lady dances wildly making you laugh.
Another celebration at these events is the Toro Huaco dance. For this dance the locals dress up with very colourful costumes. The costumes intend to mock the Spanish conquerors from the XVI century. The tradition is full of satire and makes fun of the Spanish conquerors.
Managua celebrates its fair in honor of Santo Domingo during the month of August on a yearly basis. There are two distinct days of celebration, and both are holidays in the city. Take note that most local businesses close on these dates! The dates are are the 1st and 10th of August. This event is a good opportunity to see the Gigantona and the Toro Huaco celebrations! As you can see culture in Nicaragua is extremely prolific and truly unique!
