Friday, May 29, 2009

Buying Real Estate in Nicaragua Includes a Rich Cultural Experience

By Doug J Smith

In my opinion, once of the most important perks that comes with buying real estate in Nicaragua is the opportunity to become exposed to the rich cultural heritage of Nicaragua. All year round there are some wonderful cultural events. Nicaragua has wonderful street play and poetry festivals and also has numerous rodeos, bull riding contests, and horse related festivals.

Nicaragua is a deeply Catholic country and many of the cultural activities draw from the Catholic faith. The months around Christmas and Easter have a number of colourful celebrations and offer a compelling glimpse into this wonderfully rich and warm cultural heritage.

'La Pursima' is celebrated in primarily in the month of December and is likely the most widespread of all Nicaraguan celebrations. The festivities begin on November 28th when the Virgins image (statue or picture) is taken from the church so that she may visit the different communities in town served by the church. From November 29th until December 13th, the Virgin is carried into different communities by groups of people or on the beds of pick-up trucks. The procession is accompanied by singing, decorations, a small marching band and plenty of bombas (firecrackers). During this same period many families decorate alters in their homes and different neighborhoods decorate parade floats in tribute to various themes related to the Virgin Mary.

During this period of Purisma, a church mass is celebrated early every morning. These masses are the starting point for the days procession to a new neighborhood. A rosary is read at the barrio in early evening after which a traditional drink made from maiz called chichi and sweets are distributed to the neighbors. Later in the evening, the procession of the Virgin returns to the Church.

December 7th is the day before Dia de la Virgin Maria and it is on this day that La Griteria is celebrated. La Griteria literally means "the outcry". People walk the streets of their town chanting "What causes so much joy?". People inside the houses shout out in reply "The Conception of Mary". On each December 7th, a happy, joyful and often times loud "crying out" for the Virgin can be heard all over Nicaragua. Although this special event originated in the colonial city of Leon, the celebration of La Griteria have spread to Managua, Masaya, San Juan del Sur, Rivis and Granada and eventually spread across all the communities of Nicaragua. Wherever you might decide to purchase real estate in Nicaragua you will be able to witness the joyful celebration of La Griteria.

Nicaragua is really a wonderful place to retire. If are attracted to sun and sand but also enjoy the enriching experience of exploring new and exciting cultures then a retirement in Nicaragua might appeal to you. There are currently some wonderful opportunities to own real estate in Nicaragua.

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