Welcome to NicaraguaAt first glance, Nicaraguan life may appear chaotic. However, once you acclimate to the country’s everyday rhythms and routines, you’ll realize that Nicaraguans are seldom in a hurry.
Most Nicaraguans are open and friendly. You'll find people approachable and excited to talk with foreigners. Don't be surprised if they ask blunt questions about your age, marital status, or your opinions about their country! With a willingness to share, you will quickly make friends. Nicaragua is making an effort to improve their tourism infrastructure, yet they still have relatively few visitors. This is great for those of us looking for something new and adventurous, but dislike huge tourist crowds. Land of Lakes and Volcanoes Nicaragua is the largest Central American country. It's located between Honduras (to the North), and Costa Rica (to the South). The Caribbean Sea is to the east, and the Pacific Ocean is to the west. With 120,000+ square kilometers of land area, Nicaragua is about the size of New York. It's dominated by two large lakes: Lake Managua (Xolotlan) and Lake Nicaragua (Cocibolca). Together, these lakes occupy nearly ten percent of the country’s surface area. Nicaragua’s volcanoes form part of the “Ring of Fire” that encompasses most of the western coast of the Americas, wrapping north around into Japan and Indonesia. Six of these volcanoes are active, and many are climbable. Nicaragua's system of 76 parks, reserves, and refuges cover more than 2 million hectares. These natural areas feature:
During the rainy season/winter in May-October, temperatures range between 27C and 32C (81–90F). The dry season/summer, which runs from November-April, has temperatures between 30C and 35C (86-95F). Higher altitudes often mean cooler temperatures. The Country's People Nicaraguan’s population is fast approaching six million, and almost a third live in Managua. Paradoxically, Nicaragua is both the least populous Central American nation and the fastest growing, at just over three percent annually. Nicaragua's official language is Spanish. The Amerindian languages Miskito and Mayagna are spoken in the eastern regions where these populations are largest. Along the southeastern coast, English and Creole are spoken as much as Spanish. The country doesn't endorse an official religion, but most Nicaraguans describe themselves as Catholic. The Moravian church, a Christian evangelical organization from Northern Europe, is also thriving on the Caribbean Coast and becoming more popular throughout the country. Even though Nicaragua is now peaceful and safe, its people still harbor memories of revolution and war. As a result, Nicaraguans are politically conscious, and the country is vibrating with history and culture. National Tree: Madroño (Calycophyllum candidissimum), flowers in December National Flower: Sacuanjoche (Plumeria rubra), flowers in May National Bird: Guardabarranco/Turquoise-browed Motmot (Eumomota superciliosa), translates to "ravine-guard" |
La Musica!
NICARAGUA, NICARAGUITA
Carlos Mejia Godoy Ay, Nicaragua, Nicaragüita La flor mas linda de mi querer Abonada con la bendita, Nicaragüita, Sangre de Diriangen Ay, Nicaragua sos mas dulcita Que la mielita de Tamagas Pero ahora que ya sos libre, Nicaragüita, Yo te quiero mucho mas Pero ahora que ya sos libre, Nicaragüita, Yo te quiero mucho mas Arts and Culture
Nicaragua has been shaped by both natural and man-made disasters, and its people are passionate survivors. You'll find this passion woven into the country's art and culture. In Nicaragua, poetry is very much a part of daily life. Poet, Rubén Darío, who experimented with free verse, symbolism and sensual imagery, paved the way for other internationally known poets and writers like Sergio Ramirez, Joaquin Chamorro, Father Ernesto Cardenal and Gioconda Belli. Read up before you visit! Nicaraguan people also love their music. Every Nicaraguan knows the music of Carlos Mejia Godoy, who wrote songs about the revolutionary struggle that are still relevant today. In the clubs and streets, you'll hear Salsa, Cumbia and Bachata, as well as European and American Pop and Rock. And then there’s baseball. Nicaraguans are serious fans; we’ll catch a game when this national sport is in season. Food and Drink When it comes to Nicaraguan fare – Nacatamales, Fritanga, Quesillo, Vigorón, Caballo Vayo, Wabul – the best advice is "try them all!” Much of Nicaragua's cuisine is based on corn. The legend of Quetzalcoatl, a mythical and historic figure considered the civilizer and guide of Mesoamerican people, says that he put a kernel of corn on the lips of the first woman and the first man, enabling them to think and work. Now that's brain food! Look for corn in cakes, spirits, sweets, drinks, and desserts. You'll also get your fair share of “Gallo Pinto”, a mixture of refried red beans, white rice, onions, and peppers. Instead of a spoon or fork, you'll use large, thin, finely milled white corn tortillas as an edible utensil. When it's time to imbibe, try the people’s drink of choice, Flor de Caña. Or compare Nicaragua's two national brands of beer. Pinolillo, is a native drink made of toasted corn and cocoa. It's so popular that the Nicaraguans call themselves “Pinoleros.” Pure fruit juice is almost impossible to find in Nicaragua but what you will find are refrescos, or frescos, which are fruit juices and spices mixed with water and sugar. The long list of choices may include pineapple, carrot, passion fruit, mandarin, lemonade, tamarind, mango, starfruit, papaya, pitahaya (cactus fruit) and cacao (raw cocoa bean). Nicaragua produces some of the world's finest premium coffee. Sit back and relax at a café with an espresso, latte or iced coffee and watch the world go by! |