Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LOS PUEBLOS BLANCOS
Originally built from the chalky, pale volcanic tuff upon which this pastoral scene is
spread, this series of rural communities, often called the White Villages or Pueblos Blan-
cos, once shimmered a blinding white, amid the pale-green patchwork of pasture and
jungle.
Today the centuries-old buildings have been painted, and the shady roads are paved.
Most days the roads between the villages are lined with stands selling vividly painted
artes-
anías
(handicrafts). Each town has its specialty: handcrafted ceramics or homemade
sweets, wooden furniture or freshly cut flowers, and the region is famous for its
curanderos
(folk healers). The villages are most often visited as a day trip from Granada, but take the
time to explore more and the inner workings of life in rural Nicaragua may reveal itself.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS OF THE MESETA
With a pantheon of saints and virgins celebrated with an almost pagan vigor, the Masaya
meseta
claims some of the most colorful fiestas in the country. Here's some top events.
»
San Silvestre Papa
(Catarina; Dec 31-Jan 1)
Hey, you've got to do New Year's somewhere,
and this parade is famous for its bouquets of flowers.
»
Virgen de la Candelaria
(Diriomo; Feb 2-8)
Wake up early - the fireworks will help - to see
the Virgin off on her annual trip to nearby Los Jirones.
»
Domingo de Trinidad
(Masatepe; mid-May)
Forty days after Semana Santa, this is the biggest
hipica
(horse parade) in Nicaragua; festivities peak on May 23.
»
María Auxiliadora
(Pío XII; May 24)
There's rarely much reason to visit Pío XII, unless you
want to see the Baile del Viejo y Vieja (Dance of the Old Couple) done right.
»
San Pedro
(Diriá; Jun 17-Jul)
Diría celebrates its patron saint with some dances celebrating Ca-
cique Diriangén, and with others involving dried bull penises.
»
San Juan Bautista
(Catarina; Jun 24)
Coincidentally falling on the summer solstice, this wild
festival features dances, ceremonial fights and music.
»
Santa Ana
(Niquinohomo; Jul 26)
Folk dances, fireworks and parades make this one of the
country's biggest celebrations for this popular saint.
»
Santa Catalina de Alejandría
(Catarina;
Nov 25-26)
Folk dances and a parade.
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