Friday marked the celebration of the Purisima, or the immaculate conception of Mary (We earlier wrote that la Purísima was the conception of Mary with Jesus. The Immaculate Conception is the conception of Mary's mother with Mary. For more information about the origins of La Purísima, click here). This uniquely Nicaraguan holiday starts at noon on the 7th and continues until noon on the 8th. Here are a few highlights...- fireworks. Lots of fireworks. The most spectacular display is at midnight, and it sounds like the city is exploding.
- yelling. Well, that's the Spanish word, but it's more like 'caroling.' Groups of people go from house to house singing/yelling carols in honor of Mary.
- altars. Lots of Catholic families set up little altars in honor of Mary, and the groups of carolers sing in front of these.
- yummy treats. Houses that have altars are expected to give away gifts to the carolers (kind of like Halloween). Our neighbors passed out lots of toys to the kids, but also small bags of rice, sugar, and a traditional Nicaraguan breakfast food called nacatamal.
Here are a few pictures from our neighborhood. One is of our neighbor's altar, and another is of the people lined up to sing. The third is of two teenagers who saw me in the street with our camera. They asked me to take their picture, and in honor of them, I'm posting it online. 
1 comment:
thank you for sharing these pictures and information about La Purisima,have your ever think about to post this articule in You tube? probable going to help to others to know and understand about this tadition.
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