Posts tagged Virgin Mary
Retire in Nicaragua and Experience a Rich Cultural Heritage
Sep 12th
One of the most compelling and charming benefits in buying real estate and retiring in Nicaragua is the opportunity to become exposed to and immersed in the rich cultural heritage the country has to offer. The month of December, in particular, offers a compelling glimpse into this wonderfully rich cultural heritage.
‘La Purísima’ is celebrated in primarily in December and is likely the most widespread celebration in the country. The festivities begin on November 28th when the Virgin’s image is taken from the church so that she may visit the different neighborhoods of the town.
From November 29th until December 13th, the Virgin is transported into different barrios on peoples’ shoulders, or on the back of pick-up trucks. The procession is accompanied by singing, decorations, the omnipresent Nicaraguan marching band and plenty of bombas (firecrackers). During this period families decorate alters in their homes and barrios decorate parade floats in honor of various themes related to the Virgin Mary.
During the period of Purisma, a church mass is celebrated every morning. These masses are the starting point for the day’s procession to a specific barrio. A rosary is read at the barrio in early evening after which chichi (a traditional drink made from maiz) and sweets are distributed to the people. A few hours later the procession of the Virgin returns to the Church.
La Griteria is celebrated during La Purisma on December 7th. December 7th is the day before Dia de la Virgin Maria. La Griteria means “the outcry”. A loud, joyful and at times boisterous “crying out” for the Virgin can be heard all over town at all hours of the day.
“What causes so much joy?” is chanted by people walking from home to home in their barrios. The people inside their homes shout out” The Conception of Mary” in reply.
Although it originated in Leon, La Griteria spread to Masaya, Managua and Granada and eventually spread across all the towns and villages of Nicaragua.
If you are attracted to sun and sand but also feel enriched by exploring new cultures then a retirement in Nicaragua might appeal to you. For more information on retiring in Nicaragua please click on Nicaragua real estate.
A Retirement Home in Nicaragua Includes Cultural Experiences Like No Other
Sep 10th
All year round there are some wonderful cultural events in Nicaragua. 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. There seem to be cultural celebrations in Nicaragua every month. Many are dance related while many are more related to horses.
Christmas time has a number of wonderful and unique celebrations specific to Nicaragua and these celebrations offer a wonderful glimpse into this rich and wonderfully warm and welcoming cultural heritage. These festivities around Christmas start on November 28th and run until January 2nd.
The Christmas time festivities begin on November 28th when the Virgin’s statute is taken from the church so that she may visit the different communities served by the church. La purism is the most widespread of all Nicaraguan celebrations. From November 29th until December 13th, the Virgin is carried into different barrios by groups of neighbors. The joyful procession is accompanied by music, singing, a horn and drum band and a remarkable number of very loud firecrackers. During this period families decorate a portion of their homes or the sidewalk outside of their homes 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.
On December 7th, La Griteria is celebrated. December 7th is the day before Dia de la Virgin Maria. La Griteria literally means “the outcry”. “What causes so much joy?” is chanted by people walking from home to home in the streets of their neighborhoods. People inside their homes shout out “The Conception of Mary” in reply. On each and every December 7th, a loud, happy, joyful and at times boisterous “crying out” for the Virgin can be heard at all hours of the day in cities and villages all over Nicaragua. Although it originated in the colonial city of Leon, the celebration of La Griteria has spread to Masaya, Jinotega, Managua, San Juan del Sur and Granada and eventually spread across all the cities and villages of Nicaragua. No matter where you might decide to purchase real estate in Nicaragua you will be exposed to 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.
