Semana Santa in Nicaragua: Holy Week

I was lucky enough to be in Leon, Nicaragua during Semana Santa this past spring (March 20-26). This is arguably one of the most significant times of the entire year for most Nicaraguans. This week brings unique, massive religious processions that fill the streets and city centers, a multitude of century-old family traditions and meals, and in essence, a week off of work and school in which diversion and relaxation are the main priorities.

Older adults, in general, tend to focus on maintaining the religiosity and strong cultural traditions associated with the holiday. These include intricate stations of the cross processions and celebrations, a multitude of religious services and masses, etc. These processions and masses are attended by the Catholic populace of the country, but there are a considerable amount of individuals belonging to other religions, namely Evangelical Christians, who have their own ways to celebrate holy week. Many sects of this church will take trips to lakes/rivers/oceans, where they'll baptize new members of the church. But regardless of one's specific religious affiliation, everyone enjoys this joyous time that focuses first and foremost on rest, reflection, and familial togetherness.

The younger crowd hits the beach, and hits it hard. "Bacanal" is the adjective used to describe the massive, insane parties on the country's beaches that sometimes last days on end! While fun, they leave mountains of garbage and litter and debris on and near the shore, and I recall it being a total mess once Holy Week died down. But, as I mentioned, it's the highlight of everyone's summer, young and old, for one reason or another, and the festivities must go on!

I recall the most stunning thing I saw that week were the Sandpaper Carpets in the Sutiava neighborhood of Leon- you heard it right, sandpaper. There are these beautiful, intricate, mosaic-like structures designed by Nicas in and around this neighborhood every Holy Week are literally breathtaking!! That, and friend Eric's mama makes the best Gallo Pinto in all of Leon, and they live in Sutiava- so needless to say, the carpet adventure was a yummy, mesmerizing success!!

Whether you're religious or not, Holy Week offers a beautiful and diverse array of festivities, processions, and celebrations for everyone to enjoy!