The culture of Nicaragua is essentially linked to indigenous people and Europeans in especially the Spanish, with whom the conquest, colonization and independence began.
Nicaragua is a multi-ethnic and multicultural country. where they reflect the cultural heritage of the natives (mostly Chorotega and Nahualt), Spanish and African (Atlantic Region).
Nicaraguan Cultural Identity
If we analyze cultural identity from history, we can hear that this element gives cohesion to a people distinguishing them from others, and seeks to associate it with the collective conscience. Historical consciousness is considered the strongest bulwark that a people can erect against all forms of external aggression, be they cultural or otherwise.
Nicaraguans are very hospitable and kind qualities that are recognized by visitors.
Ruben Dario
Félix Rubén Garcia Sarmiento, known as Rubén Darío, nicknamed the "Principe de las Letras Castellanas". He is the Nicaraguan poet recognized worldwide for being the greatest initiator and representative of Modernism in Hispano-America. Meet him: Rubén Darío
Main Customs and Traditions in Nicaragua
The Nicaraguans have a wide list of traditions and customs, some of them are taken back to ancient times, but it is clear that each one is a part of what Nicaragua is.
The majority of Nicaraguan traditions are of a religious nature because of the weight of Spanish colonization where Catholicism was imposed on the lives of people.
The culture of Nicaragua is known for its large number of parties and celebrations, which mostly revolve around the Catholic religion.
The colorful environments, lots of food and drink, fireworks, the sound of the ensembles, the typical dances, equestrian parade, bullfights, the promesantes, and religious activities are part of these parties that can usually last for many days.
Some typical features of the culture of Nicaragua that could be used to identify it anywhere in the world in relation to food:
If you find in your luggage donuts, hard cheese or savory sausages. If you loved eating with your hand. If you drink "soda" between meals. If you shake the glass of your drink as if it were a pinolillo. If you ate three times in the street before eating at home?
Traditions Nicaragua
One of the main traditions of Nicaragua is the purest (or La Gritería) party held in honor of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, national activity that takes place on 7 and 8 December. The celebration consists of altars with images of the Virgin in which people come to sing and mostly get gifts.
The festivities are celebrated throughout the year in all departments, cities and towns of Nicaragua.
The festivities are the face and heart of Nicaragua, because the idiosyncrasies of the people are projected fervor and love of their country.
Music
The music is very linked to the culture of Nicaragua. It covers many types of rhythms such as son nica, Marimba, Polka nica, Mazurca, Jamaquello, Palo de Mayo, Garifuna and Creole where the great influence of cultural heritages are shown.
Most of the folk songs are performed based on the marimba, in the same way this instrument is present in most Nicaraguan celebrations.
"Los Chicheros" are small local bands that play a lot of traditional pieces of music of bulls, entertain much of the popular festivals of Nicaragua, religious processions and even bullfights.
As far as the Atlantic Region they are characterized by own music of Caribbean type, better known as Palo de Mayo, born in Bluefields with very intense rhythms homage is made to the fertility of women and nature.
Gastronomy of Nicaragua
In Nicaraguan culture, the most representative dishes are made with corn and beans, such as tamale, indio viejo, perrerreque, and not only that, there are also corn-based drinks such as chicha and pinol de maíz . And in some towns corn liquor known as "cusuza" is made.
We can divide the Nicaraguan gastronomy into 2 areas: Pacific and Central Region and the Atlantic Region.
In the Pacifica and central region the typical dishes more known are: The gallo pinto, the old Indian, the baho, the vigorón, the mondongo.
In the Atlantic Region, although you can taste the meals of the pacific region, their original dishes were preserved, among them the most popular "El Rondon" (fish, turtle or seafood and beef), the "luk luk" (gallopinto) traditional with coconut).
Spoken "Nica"
One of the first things that can be noticed about a Nicaraguan speaking is that, as in other Latin American countries, the pronoun "vos" instead of use "you".