Nicaragua - a brief guide to culture and holidays
Nicaragua has rich cultural traditions that date back to pre-columbian times, a mixture of indigenous, mayan, african, and european inhabitants has added to the incredible cultural diversity of this small country.
An elite, “professional” class was described in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by the literary works of Rubén Darío, known as the “prince of Spanish-American poetry.”
The folk traditions were expressed in beautiful arts and crafts, popular religious ceremonies, and country music (corridos).
Nicaraguan culture is largely a mixture of Hispanic and Native American elements, with regional variations. Many folk dances are drawn from both traditions. The most notable are those of Masaya, including Las Inditas and Toro Guaco, a dance in which represents Spanish conquistadors and Native Americans satirizing each other’s cultures.
There are many local festivals, including the celebration of the feast of Santo Domingo in Managua during the first ten days of August. This combines popular celebrations with a religious pilgrimage.
Music is a vital part of such events, which includes the playing of marimbas, guitars, traditional flutes (zuls), and maracas. Along the Caribbean coast there is greater African influence on music and dance.
The paintings of Alejandro Canales, Armando Morales, and Leoncio Sáenz; the poetry of Gioconda Belli and Ernesto Cardenal; the novels of Vice President Sergio Ramírez; the testimonial narratives of Omar Cabezas; the “New Song Movement” led by Carlos Mejía Godoy; and the theatre of Alan Bolt exemplify the drama and emotion of the revolutionary periods from the late 1970s through 1990.
Nicaragua National Festivals, Holidays, and Events
- New Year’s Day: January 1st
- Air Force Day: February 1st
- Easter - Holy Thursday: first Thursday of April
- Easter – Good Friday: first Friday following Holy Thursday
- Labour Day: May 1st
- Army Day: May 27th
- Liberation Day: July 19th (aka Sandanista Revolution Day)
- Fiesta de Santa Domingo: August 1-10 (Managua)
- Battle of San Jacinto: September 14th
- Independence Day: September 15th
- All Soul’s Day: November 2nd
- Immaculate Conception: December 8th
- Christmas Day: December 25th
- New Years Eve: December 31st
In addition, there are local holidays celebrated in their respective regions.
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