If you want to get to know the local culture in Nicaragua, check out these famous festivals.
Those who are in the country in December will be lucky enough to witness La Purisima and La Griteria. First, families build altars in their homes to honor the Virgin Mary, and then, on Dec. 8, they take to the streets to shout and sing, visiting their friends and neighbors to exchange sweets and food.
Another religious festival is La Judea, which takes place in various places across the country. The celebrations in Masatepe are thought to be the biggest and best, when the whole town has to search high and low for one person who represents Judas. When they are discovered, they are paraded through town in chains and then hung in the main square.
Alongside the religious festivals, horses are a popular cause for celebration in Nicaragua. On Aug. 1 and Aug. 10, the Nicaraguan capital of Managua comes alive with beautiful horses paraded through town, while Granada has its own horse fair Jan. 5–9. This one focuses on thoroughbred Spanish horses, and takes place at the city jockey club.
Other good festivals include Palo de Mayo in Bluefields, which runs for the whole of May; the Rio San Juan Carnival in San Carlos Jan. 15–21; and the Latin American Surfing Competition at the end of November in San Juan del Sur.
Read This Next
Best Museums in Nicaragua
Tips / Destination
Jun 5, 2018#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Apr 29, 2025Fairmont Royal York’s Spring Programming
Take in the Splendor of Spring, a curated selection of activities and events, at Fairmont Royal York.
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Slideshow
Apr 29, 20257 Must-See Sites in Sapporo, Japan
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are seven must-see sites in Sapporo, Japan.
Hotel
Apr 29, 20254 Hotels Taking Advantage of Summer Fridays
With summer around the corner, many companies in corporate America gear up for the start of summer Fridays. Summer Fridays can come in handy when making summer travel plans, and can give you some extra time to travel in the afternoon to enjoy a full weekend away. We’ve rounded up some hotels in destinations that are easy to get to and perfect for taking advantage of a summer Friday.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Surveys
Apr 28, 2025Study Reports Americans Increased Spending on 2025 Spring Break
Spring break may already be in your rearview mirror, and you might be looking forward to your summer vacay — but did you save enough cash after your springtime travel? A new study from Allianz Partners found Americans spent quite a bit more on their spring break trips this year than they did in 2024. The average spring break trip was $5,325 in 2025, more than a 10 percent increase from 2024.
ShareThis