Independence Day

Yesterday and today Nicaragua is celebrating its independence. Sept. 15 (today) is independence from Spain in 1821. Sept. 14 (yesterday) Nicaragua celebrated its independence from William Walker, the American who took over Nicaragua by force in the 1850s and tried to create a new 'slave state' for his southern cronies. It failed, with his departure occurring on Sept. 14, 1856. This little bit of American history never made it into the American history class I had in high school. How embarrassing.
At any rate, most people have had off from work, making a nice 3-day weekend. It's been kind of rainy, w/ very pleasant temperatures for a change. Nicaraguan flags adorn many of the houses and cars in Managua, and many people are hanging out w/ families this weekend. Not many fireworks for these celebrations, which is a bit surprising. Generally if there's a special day, Nicaraguans will celebrate it with fireworks.