La Purisima and La Griteria

The first one in the most famous festivals in Nicaragua that Toplist would like to introduce to you is La Purisima and La Griteria. La Purísima is a religious celebration that takes place at the end of November to commemorate the Virgin Mary's conception. Catholic devotees mark the occasion with nine days of prayer and the construction of an altar in their homes, as well as singing and gifts for those who come to visit. Then comes La Gritera, which translates as "the shouting," on December 7. It's a raucous affair, as you might expect. At 6 p.m., people begin to shout the question "¿Qué causa tanta alegría?" (What makes you so happy?) and others responded with "La Concepción de María” (Mary’s Conception).

This call and response continue for some time before the fireworks and firecrackers are set off, with people singing in the streets and visiting their friends' and neighbors' altars. As they visit each house, groups repeat the call and response, receiving traditional food, sweets, and drinks (known as "la gorra") from the homeowners. People also sing traditional Mary carols, and more firecrackers are set off at midnight, 6 a.m., and midday on December 7 and 8. Don't expect to get a good night's sleep; instead, spend your time socializing with the locals.

The celebration is a Nicaraguan tradition, though there are regional variations. For example, in the western city of Leon, residents construct a massive doll known as "La Gigantona," which dances through the streets accompanied by drums and horns. If you are in Nicaragua from the end of November to the end of December, make sure you participate in the tradition. It's a great way to meet locals and see inside their homes while participating in a massive national celebration.

Takes place: from the end of November leading up to December