La Purisima, A Christmas Tradition in Nicaragua

Each year at the end of November, Nicaraguans come together in a unique national celebration in honor of the Virgin Mary.

Catholic worshippers spend nine days praying and building an altar to the Virgin Mary in their homes, which they then invite friends and neighbors to visit. Traditional songs are sung and gifts are exchanged to celebrate in a great show of community strength.

On Dec. 7, the real party begins. At 6 p.m., people start to shout in the streets and walk around visiting local altars. There are fireworks and firecrackers set off all over town, and you can visit anyone’s house to get food, drinks and sweets, a practice known as la gorra. Fireworks are set off at midnight, 6 a.m. and midday Dec. 7–8, so don’t plan on getting much rest if you are a light sleeper.

Catholic communities across Nicaragua celebrate the event, but there are some interesting regional variations. For example, in Leon, there is a huge wooden doll that dances through the town. Known as La Gigantona, the doll is accompanied by bands playing drums and horns in a raucous celebration.

It’s well worth planning to be in Nicaragua for the festival, unique in Latin America.