Folklore in Nicaragua: The Culture of Nicaragua part2

Hello readers! And welcome to a new blog made by Mansión De Chocolate. We have spoken about traveling through Nicaragua, food in Granada and art in Granada. But what is culture of Nicaragua?

Palo de Mayo

Palo de Mayo is a traditional dance which originated in the bluefields area, Nicaragua in the 17^th century. The Nicaraguans celebrate Palo de Mayo throughout whole Nicaragua.  Like the name says Palo de Mayo, this festival is in may(mayo).

Considered the highest expression of culture and tradition of the Caribbean of Nicaragua, the first of may starts with a presentation around a tree which is decorated with colored ribbons around the whole tree. Dances are performed around these colored trees as they welcome the rainy season, production and new life.

It attracts spectators from all the surrounding areas and from all over the country who not only witness the activity but also commit with energy and joy to this activity.

With Palo de Mayo everybody comes together to prepare their colorful costumes and dances that come with there carriages, after this the people will compete with each other.

Throughout the month of May and especially on weekends, a variety of culture events happen at night. They highlight all kinds of dances, sensual dances and movements are shown, known as the afro-carribbean dances. But also dances like zumba.

This festival is a must see, everyone I have spoken in Granada that likes dancing, says the same. It is a festival that disappeared in other countries where it was celebrated, but in Nicaragua it gets passed on from generation to generation.

Palo de Mayo, dancing around the colored ribbons

A very famous and typical Caribbean dish at the festival is, El rondo. A soup made of coconut, fish and a lot more, it is delicious!!

El Rondon

San Jeronimo

The last day of the month November is the kick off of the longest festival in Nicaragua, the San Jeronimo celebrations of Masaya. Today is the day the little big saint leaves the dark confines of the church and is carried around on the shoulders of his faithful followers throughout the streets of the village. And if that was all it would hardly warrant making it onto our list. Luckily, there is more.

Following the saint is the parade of the Torovenado, even bigger than the one in January. True to the satirical spirit of the indigenous Nicaraguans, the roving parade ranges from magical creatures plucked from local folklore to costumes of local politicians alive and dead, famous and forgotten, as well as enough demons and devils to scare the daylights of any kids who dare go to visit.

It happens during the day and at night there are usually big parties scattered around town. If you are in Nicaragua during this month then you have to go!

Streets of Masaya Full during San Jeronimo