Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 2270-2339;
www.vivaspanishschool.com
; Edificio FNI, 2c S)
Highly recommended by long-
term volunteers and NGO workers, classes here start at US$175 for a 20-hour week.
Homestays can be arranged for an additional US$135 per week.
Festivals & Events
In addition to enthusiastic celebrations of national events, Managua has its own parties.
Annual Taxi Grand Prix
( Last week in March)
Drivers modify a licensed taxi's exhaust system, then head to the
pit at the Antigua Catedral. The roads of central Managua are closed off and dozens of
five-car, five-lap races scream through the city, but only one will win a brand-new cab.
EVENT
Day of the Revolution
( July 19)
You'll finally understand why people still love Daniel Ortega when you see
the master work a crowd of 100,000 red-and-black-flag-waving faithful.
NATIONAL HOLIDAY
Festival of Santo Domingo de Guzmán
( August 1 to August 10)
Managua's
fiestas patronales
(patron saint parties) feature a car-
nival, sporting events,
hípicos
(horse parades) and a procession of
diablitos,
which takes
Santo Domingo to his country shrine at the Sierritas de Managua, followed by music and
fireworks.
RELIGIOUS
Sleeping
Most budget travelers stay in Barrio Martha Quezada, about 10 square blocks of fairly
strollable streets, although crime is on the rise. But there are other options, from the posh
boutique hotels of the Carretera a Masaya to more modest midrange options in Bolonia,
convenient to Barrio Martha Quezada's collection of backpacker-oriented businesses.
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