Granada, Nicaragua, La Gran Sultana

The city of Granada is the capital of the departamento (equivalent to a province for Canada or state in the USA) of Granada. Located about 40 km from Managua, founded in 1524 by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba. It was one of the first cities formed in America, unlike other cities that claim the same distinction, the city of Granada was not only the settlement of the conquest, but also a city registered in official records of the Crown of Aragon, and the Kingdom of Castile in Spain.

You may wonder why Granada called The Great Sultan, La Gran Sultana?  
This is due in reflection of its Moorish and Andalusian appearance.
(Andalusia is a city in southern Spain). 

The following is a quick preview of Granada and its beauty.
http://youtu.be/0ZVzbnXKsVY

 

Granada is a a city not only recognized for its history, architecture, churches, arts and crafts. 

But every February it host an international poetry festival, where more than 100 poets from various cultures and countries gather in Granada and provide public readings of their work in Granada’s squares, halls and parks. There are nightly dances, parties and live music at this annual poetry festival. For more info about this festival please visit:  http://www.festivalpoesianicaragua.com/english/

 

Attractions in Granada:

Cathedral, photo courtesy of TripAdvisor

Granada's Cathedral  

Located right on the central plaza, the Cathedral of Granada is a bright yellow neoclassical church originally built in 1583, and destroyed in the 19th century, only to be rebuilt again in the early 20th century. The interior of the church features three naves and four chapels and extensive stained glass windows. 

Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor

Central Park (Plaza Central, or Parque Central)

The Central Park is where you can find a quick view of what Granada is all about, beautiful colonial buildings, shops, restaurants, arts and crafts and much more. 

The central Plaza is always alive with activity, from live music to outdoor festivals and outdoor parties.

carriage ride photo courtesy of TripAdvisor

Carriage ride:

This is one of the nicest and relaxing way to see Granada.

Lots of carriages available by the Central park. Rides usually last from 30 minutes to an hour. The route will is usually through the old colonial houses and other important landmarks like: San Francisco Convent or Guadeloupe Church.

 Zip Line 

Cables that go through the rainforest trees on the side of Mombacho Volcano. I've heard that Canopy Tours is a reputable company but remember buyer beware. Granada is a very touristy place, so talk to other tourists about their experience, word of mouth is precious and can save your life.

Mombacho Volcano Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Volcan Mombacho, Volcano Mombacho: 

 

The highest point of the volcano is 1400 meters. 

The volcano offers scenic hikes, a canopy tour, and amazing views. Mombacho Volcano can be access from Granada or Managua. The top of the Volcano is a virgin "cloud forest" which is teeming with wildlife including howler monkeys, pumas and sloths.

Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor

There is an option of spending the night at the lodge at the top and taking a night tour. A much cheaper (but a fairly intense workout) to hike to the top. If you have access to a four-wheel drive vehicle you can take it to the top on a well-maintained road. This is also cheaper than paying for a ride from the park service. If you are not comfortable with driving up steep inclines, do not attempt driving this on your own! This info was obtained from TripAdvisor posted Feb. 2012.

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g580113-d679917-r124988460-Mombacho_Volcano-Granada.html

Isletas de Granada (Little Islands of Granada):

 The Isletas consist of 365 small islands that are a result of an eruption of the volcano Mombacho. 
The islands are home to different animals and plants. Some people live on the islands and you will find restaurants and other attractions such as Kayaking.
The Isletas are not far from the city center: about 10 minutes tops by car, 20 minutes by bike or an hour walking.

There are also small charger planes that may take you on a ride. 

References:
USA Today, Travel: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/three-major-cathedrals-granada-nicaragua-1121.html
ViaNica: http://vianica.com/nicaragua/practical-info/1-introduction.html
NicaTour: http://www.nicatour.net/es/granada/granada-nicaragua.cfm

City of Matagalpa, Celebrates 150!

February 14 of 1862 Matagalpa was recognized as a city and February 14, 2012,
it’s celebrating 150!

For the entire week, the city will host a number of festival featuring, music, food, art exhibits free of charge.

The following video is a quick preview of the City of Matagalpa. 

http://youtu.be/7vEt_rznQ6s 

Photos Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Matagalpa is in the mountainous region of Nicaragua, it lies more than 700 meters above sea level with average temperature ranging from 26°C to 28°C, known as the "Pearl of the Septentrion (North)" and "Land of Eternal Spring."

It is also the capital of the departamento (equivalent to a province for Canada or state in USA) of Matagalpa.

Due to its climate, the region produces excellent coffee, cacao, vegetables, flowers, and it is also
known forcattle and milk products.  There are lots of festival celebrating the harvest of each product.

Eco-tourism is one of its main tourist attractions, the reserves of Cerro Musún, El Arenal or the private reserve Selva Negra and mountain tourist resorts like: Aranjuez, Santa Maria de Ostuma, and Selva Negra Mountain Resort, provide an experience like no other.

Selva Negra Mountain Resort is a fully sustainable Eco-lodge, there you’ll find Howler Monkeys, Hummingbirds, butterflies, agouti and sloths and its revenue from tourism and coffee goes back into the community and it's simply breath-taking.

The area has a unique type of rainforest, named: Cloud forest or fog forest.

As described by Wikipedia, a cloud forest, also called a fog forest, is a generally tropical or subtropical montane moist forest characterized by a persistent, frequent or seasonal low-level cloud cover, usually at the canopy level. There are plenty of hikes to explore and an abundant species of animals and plants to see and touch. 

The following is a short video showing the beauty of Selva Negra. 
http://youtu.be/VXnlf2AWtXE 

St. Ramon is the Patron Saint of Matagalpa city in Matagalpa and he is celebrated August 31.

Corn is Mighty

Corn is very important to Nicaraguan aka Nicas.  
We are corn people and we're very inventive and creative in the ways that corn is used. We grow corn, have a big corn festival, we boiled or grilled the corn which is basically corn on the cob. Many street vendors set up their venues at the most popular places like the bus stops, markets, parks and many may walk on the main streets of the cities, screaming as if their life depended on and with all their might "Elotes!"

Then there is Atol, a thick sweet corn drinkable pudding and guirila, a kind of sweet grilled corn tortilla served with fresh cheese and/or sour cream. 

Rosquillas coming out of oven

We've created drinks from corn such as pinolillo, pinol, posol and tiste.

Not to forget the baked goods like corn cakes, cookies like rosquillas, viejitas, perrereque. etc.

There are even two Islands on the Caribbean side of Nicaragua named Corn Islands (Las Islas de Maíz).   

Nacatames cooking in a pot

But the best dish in my opinion are El Nacatal and El Picadillo. There is nothing more delicious than to eat picadillo during the festivities in honor of Saint Sebastian, Patron of Diriamba. El Picadillo, this succulent porridge like dish is specially served on January 20.

Interesting to mentioned that many parts of Nicaragua knows El  Picadillo as Indio Viejo (Old Man), Why the difference? I don't know but it is the exact same dish, only two different names. If anyone know why they are called differently, please let me know.

Saint Sebastian - History



St. Sebastian, Diriamba

Who was Saint Sebastian?

Saint Sebastian (died c. 288) was a Christian saint and martyr, who is said to have been killed during the Roman emperor Diocletian's persecution of Christians. A Christian martyr is regarded as one who is put to death for his Christian faith or convictions.

Saint Sebastian is commonly depicted in art and literature tied to a post and shot with arrows. He is venerated in the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

St. Sebastian is the patron of archers, soldiers, athletes including runners and pin-makers. A patron is considered to be a defender of a specific group of people or of a nation. There is a patron for virtually every cause, profession or special interest. Prayers are considered more likely to be answered by asking a patron for intercession on their behalf.

In Nicaragua, Saint Sebastian is worshiped in Acoyapa church, located in Chontales and in the Minor Basilica of Saint Sebastian in Diriamba.  There used to be a church in Managua and Leon dedicated to him but they were destroyed in the earthquake in 1972.

Feast Day of Saint Sebastian is January 20.
The origin of Feast Days: most saints have specially designated feast days and are associated with a specific day of the year and these are referred to as the saint's feast day. The feast days first arose from the very early Christian custom of the annual commemoration of martyrs on the dates of their deaths at the same time celebrating their birth into heaven.

References:
El Patron San Sebastian by Luis Mojica Sanchez.
Catholic Online:  http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=103
Catholic Saints:  http://www.catholic-saints.info/roman-catholic-saints-s-z/saint-sebastian.htm

Feast of Saint Sebastian, Diriamba, Nicaragua

Feast of San Sebastian (January 17 to 27)
Patron saint of Diriamba, Nicaragua.

Diriamba located about 45 km (28 miles) south of Managua is usually a quiet city. But every January the entire city comes alive celebrating the Feast of Saint Sebastian, its patron saint. This feast although rooted with Catholic believes, it is much more than a religious celebration, it represent the heart of an entire city, its culture, and folklore.

Saint Sebastian is believed to performed many miracles and the purpose of the feast is for his followers to fulfilled their promise and pay their debts to the saint.

The following video is a brief summary of the feast. (But read on to know what it all means)

http://youtu.be/u408OrCEcBk  

San Sebastian’s Cavildo.  (Saint Sebastian’s council) 

A cavildo was a former Spanish, colonial administrative council. The Cavildo de San Sebastian is formed by 12 members and they are commonly known as the “drums of Saint Sebastian, los tambores de San Sebastian.” 

There are many different forms of payment, some people as you've see in the video (above), promise to arrive to the Minor Basilica of Saint Sebastian in Diriamba on their knees and family members will help them by laying blankets in front of them.  

The Host or Mayordomo – He is in charge of the entire feast open to the public from January 17 to January 20. His main duties are to provide food and ginger drink (jengibre) to Diriamba’s inhabitant and all the guests visiting Diriamba. As well as, he is responsible for fireworks (juegos de polvora), and entertainment, all free of charge. 

The Hostess or Patrona – She is in charge of the entire feast open to the public from January 24 to January 27. She basically takes over the host’s duties and continues to provide food and ginger drink as well as fireworks (juegos de polvora), and entertainment, all free of charge.  

Due to the high costs of the feast, sometimes no one volunteers to be the host or hostess. When this happens, a committee is form and they have several fundraisers to raise the money for the feast.

Minor hosts - 4 days celebration (mandatory). The proper name given to these minor hosts are Alferez (men) or Tenienta (women). Although there is a mandatory 4 day celebration and each day must followed a traditional agenda, the scale of their parties is much smaller than the host or hostess. As far as tradition goes, the parties may be attended by invitation only or they could be open to the public but the minor hosts decide.

There are promises to host a party for a one day celebration and they are called: Alborada.

 

El tope – The meeting of three saints:
St. Sebastian, St. Marcos & Santiago.

Every January 19, the city of Dolores becomes the meeting place of three patron saints:
St. Marcos from the city of  St. Marcos, Santiago from the city of Jinotepe and
St. Sebastian from Diriamba. This continues to be a huge celebration day with lots of music, dancing, traditional dancers, lots of people and fireworks.
Dolores is about 4 Km from Diriamba and it is between Diriamba and Jinotepe.

The following video is a brief show of their meeting in Dolores.

January 20  - the big day.

January 20 is the feast of St. Sebastian. After mass, the statue of St. Sebastian is parade through the streets of Diriamba followed by dancers, musicians, fireworks, and lots of people. Picadillo is the food that is served and delicious Buñuelos is the dessert.
(Check out the Recipes tab as they will be posted soon)

La Gigantona

Dances (Los Bailes)

There are lots of traditional dances featured in the feast and each has its own history. I will just mentioned the name of the main ones.
- Las Inditas
- El Viejo y la Vieja - Old man and old woman. 
- El Gigante
- Toro huaco
- La Gigantona
- El Gueguense o Macho Raton - dance parody mocking Spanish conquistadores. You can easily identify them in the video since their masks are painted with beige paint and wearing peacock feathers hats and the other dancers are wearing black wooden masks with a donkey like face.  

The feast is an emotional experience, there is a sea of people attending, there is a clash of sound of music, fireworks, bell ringing, people praying, dancing and kneeling, all at the same time. 

Que Viva San Sebastian!  Hail Saint Sebastian!  

References:

El Patron San Sebastian by Luis Mojica Sanchez.