Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
'MONIMBÓ IS NICARAGUA!'
Masaya may have been declared the 'Cradle of National Folklore,' but the folklore of Masaya is
the folklore of Monimbó. Once the region's most important indigenous city, this famous Masaya
neighborhood, centered on Iglesia San Sebastián, is still populated mainly by people of Choro-
tegan descent.
In many ways Monimbó remains a world apart: indigenous government structures such as the
Council of Elders are still in place, if largely relegated to ceremonial status.
One reason for Monimbó's cultural autonomy is its celebrated history of almost continuous re-
bellion against the Spaniards and other occupiers. Most recently, in 1977, the people of Monimbó
famously attacked Somoza's feared Guardia Nacional, using homemade weapons - contact
bombs, machetes and lances - produced by their own artisans and craftspeople. They held the
barrio for a week.
After the battle, the Monimboseños donned traditional Spanish masks, borrowed from folkloric
dances that ridiculed those occupiers, and denounced to the newspapers the abuses and atrocities
of the Guardia Nacional. The country was inspired by the barrio's spectacular resistance, and
streets across the nation echoed with the battle cry, 'Monimbó is Nicaragua!' Ernesto Cardenal
wrote that the masked Monimboseños had declared their barrio 'Free Nicaragua.' And in the end,
Masaya and Monimbó were among the first cities to see a complete withdrawal of Somoza's
troops.
Festivals & Traditions
» St Lazarus The week before Easter, the Iglesia María Magdalena fills with devotees dressed
up as children, witches, space aliens and more. A special Mass is followed by food and corn li-
quor for all.
» Los Agüizotes This celebration features spirits of the dead and characters from indigenous
horror stories (many originating during the Spanish conquest). The Headless Priest and La Carre-
ta Nagua (The Chariot of Death) are used throughout the year to scare children into better behavi-
or, but on the last Friday in October they make their way through the streets of Monimbó and
Masaya. Costumes are prepared the night before in a ceremony called La Vela del Candil (Candle
Vigil) . The costumes are placed on a table with a large candle in the middle, and those watching
over it throughout the night keep themselves awake with fireworks, live music, alcohol and dan-
cing.
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