Things I Love About Nicaragua

COLONIAL CITIES
Granada - This colonial city is the oldest in all of Latin America and located about 1 hour south of Managua. It was founded by Spanish conquest forces in 1524 on the north west shores of Lago Cocibolca aka Lake Nicaragua. Granada periodically served as the capital city of the country as did Leon. This city has a very interesting, if not sometimes a difficult and torbid past due to multiple attacks from different foreign interests. Today Granada is a stunning and lovely, old Spanish styled city; complete with brightly colored buildings, a classic central park, an impressive cathedral, quanit cafes, museums (Convento San Francisco and La Polvora) and comfortable restaurants all set within a very European, laid back, family environment. Granada is strategically located for a launching point to see many wonderful near by attractions which would include: Lago Cocibolca (the second largest lake in all of Latin America), Isletas boating and kayaking tours, Mombacho Natural Reserve and canopy rides, Masaya Volcano observatory, Masaya Markets, San Juan Oriente (rich center of artisan work especially ceramics) and Laguna Apoyo. Leon- The second colonial city of Nicaragua was founded in the same year as Granada and is situated about 1.5 hours northwest of Managua. Originally it was founded about 40 minutes north of Managua however in 1610 most of the city was destroyed by an eruption of Momotombo. The city was quickly reestablished in its current location. Leon was not immune to attacks either. In 1685 the city was sacked by the French leader William Dampier. The amazing thing about this story is that Dampier and many of his men were captured by the people of Leon and were forced to rebuild what they had destroyed. In fact Dampier served as a key architect. The cathedral of Leon has an interesting history of having been built and rebuilt 5 times. The bishop in 1747 found the 4th version to be too small and inadequate and decided to have the 5th and current version built which was completed in 1860. This massive and beautiful structure stands as the largest cathedral in Central America and houses some of the most precious artworks in Nicaragua.

When the Spanish moved Leon to the new location they had numerous encounters with a local indigenous tribe called Sutiaba. For nearly 200 hundred years the Spanish could not no conquer the Sutiabas. One of the unique historical sites in Leon is a place where an old Tamarindo tree stands. It is known as Tamarindon and is more then 600 years old. Nearly 400 years ago, the Spanish used this tree to hang the Sutiaba chief and finally brought the tribe under Spanish control. Leon has some very important museums (Ruben Dario and Leyendas) and is a great launching point to reach the Pacific Coast, the excavation site of the old Leon, the norther volcanos like Momotomobo, Cerro negro, San Cristobal, Conseguina and the refreshing areas of the mountain regions of the north. Los Hervideros is an interesting sight to see which is a very active volcanic site of hot mud pools and vents for viewing.

CULTURE
The Nicaragua culture is intricately tied to the ancient people of the past and the mix of the Spanish influence that came later. They are a happy and creative people who are hospitable and friendly. They enjoy exchanges of culture and are happy to tell others about their beautiful country. Nicaragua is one of the few Latin countries where a mix of Castellano is used. For example when addressing an adult who is not your friend you would call them Don or Dona and then their last name rather then Senor or Senorita.

Religious celebrations are ver important to Nicaraguans which always involve traditional music and dancing. The biggest celebrations are during Christmas and Easter. Most towns have their own patron saint and celebrate annually the saint’s feast day. These patron saint festivals can last up to a week and some draw large crowds from around the country.

The music of Nicaragua is a blend of the ancient, colonial European, and African and can vary from region to region throughout the country. What Nicaraguans would call their folkloric music was only recently penned about 30 years ago the "godfathers" of such music: Carlos and Luis Enrique Mejia Gody and Otto de la Rocha. The Mejia group has regular showings in Managua which are a very cool experience especially while enjoying a typical meal. Other well known artists that have left a lasting contribution are Duo Cuardabarranco and Katia and Salvador Cardenal. The music is festive and, as with many cultures, remembers some of the difficult days of the past as well as the overall grandeur of their history.

When it comes to writers and poets the 2 most renown are El Gueguense and Ruben Dario. El Gueguense wrote a famous comedy play during the early 1700's that made fun of their foreign captors and is commonly performed in the cultural centers and theaters nationwide. Ruben Dario came to the scene about 150 years later and is widely revered by his countrymen today. Other notable writers would include Ernesto Cardenal, Gioconda Belli, and Sergio Ramirez.

NATURE AND WILDLIFE HABITAT
Nicaragua has some of the most inspiring and remote natural features in Latin America. There are 2 very large biospheres: Reserva de la Biosfera in the north and Reserva Biologica Indio Maiz in the south. Both are well protected and seldom visited due to their remote locations. There are Tropical Wet Forests, Tropical Dry Forests, Tropical Wet/Dry Forests, and Cloud Forests. In some cases you can see all of these in a one hour drive. Other extraordinary locations within Nicaragua would include Lago Cocibolca (2nd largest lake in Latin America), Ometepe Island (the largest island in a fresh water lake), Zapatera Island, Isletas (network of small islands in the northwest of Cocibolca), Solentiname Islands, Corn Island, Bluefields, Rio San Juan Reserva de vida Silvestre La Flor (sea turtle protected area).

There are a variety of humanity efforts constantly at work throughout the country. Special activities could include taking time to visit one or more of these projects and even help out. Additionally an increasing number of agricultural cooperatives are certified organic and certified Fair Trade. Visits could be arranged and an important connection can be made by looking for their products in your local grocery store when you return home.