Nicaragua
Juan Mendoza - World Geography - 11/06/14
Physical and Political Map of Nicaragua
Come to visit us state, know the historical places of this beautiful state.Come to see all the magnificent places, eat with us all the typical foods that exist in this excellent place. Wait for you to can be with us enjoying of this beautiful view.
Nicaragua's Religions
Over 90% of Nicaragua's population are members of Christian denominations. Approximately 73% of Nicaraguans follow the Roman Catholic religion with about 15% attending evangelical churches. Around 2% are part of the Moravian Church and some 0.1 percent are joined to the Episcopal Church. A further 2% belong to a variety of religious groups including Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons and Amish or Mennonite communities. Along the Atlantic Coast there appears to be a larger following of the Protestant churches.
Lenguage
The official language of Nicaragua is Spanish however, Nicaraguans on the Caribbean coast speak indigenous languages and also English. The communities located on the Caribbean coast also have access to education in their native languages.
Major Ethnic Groups
Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 69%, white 17%, black 9%, Amerindian 5%
Holidays and Festivals
The major ones are listed here but it does not count the many parades and celebrations of all the Catholic saints which seems like every weekend. Easter or Semana Santa is celebrated for weeks in advance and December is just one big holiday. Too bad the pay is so bad here since you get so many days off.
Dances/Music
Music of Nicaragua is a mixture of indigenous and European, especially Spanish, influences. Musical Instruments include the marimba and others that are common across Central America. Pop Music includes Cuban, Brazilian, Mexicanand Panamaniam performers, as well as those from Europe and the United States
Food
The Nicaraguan culinary art dates back to the pre-Colombian times, as you can tell by the names of the most known plates. Back then, during colonial times, the peculiar, creative, and varied Creole menu was the result of the union of these two races. In this type of food, ranging from soups and meats to a diversity of sweets, interesting ingredients are used.
Economy
Nicaragua’s economy is mainly focused on the agricultural industry. However, as the poorest country in Central America and the second poorest in the hemisphere, has widespread underemployment and poverty. The US-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) has been in effect since April 2006 and has expanded export opportunities for many agricultural and manufactured goods. Textiles and apparel account for nearly 60% of Nicaragua's exports, but increases in the minimum wage during the Ortega administration will likely erode its comparative advantage in this industry.
Holidays and Festivals
Each community’s annual fiestas patronales revolve around the local saint’s birthday, but the actual party may extend days or even weeks before and after. This guide should help you catch (or avoid)fiestas patronales as you travel; the events are associated with special masses, processions, alcohol, dancing, carnivals, show horses, contests, and more alcohol.
Do you like holidays? Would you believe Nicaragua has more holidays than the public school system in the states? The major ones are listed here but it does not count the many parades and celebrations of all the Catholic saints which seems like every weekend. Easter or Semana Santa is celebrated for weeks in advance and December is just one big holiday. Too bad the pay is so bad here since you get so many days off. Many towns and cities have their own special observances.
Wednesday
Sunday
Monday
Thursday
Friday
Sunday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Saturday
Sunday
Sunday
Monday
Sunday
Sunday
Monday
Thursday
Wednesday
Sunday
Monday
Thursday
Friday
Sunday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Saturday
Sunday
Sunday
Monday
Sunday
Sunday
Monday
Thursday
Wednesday
Jan 1
Feb 16-23
Apr 14
Apr 17
Apr 18
Apr 20
May 1
May 30
Jul 19
Aug 1
Aug 10
Aug 10
Aug 16
Aug 17
Sep 14
Sep 15
Oct 12
Nov 2
Dec 8
Dec 25
Dec 31
Feb 16-23
Apr 14
Apr 17
Apr 18
Apr 20
May 1
May 30
Jul 19
Aug 1
Aug 10
Aug 10
Aug 16
Aug 17
Sep 14
Sep 15
Oct 12
Nov 2
Dec 8
Dec 25
Dec 31
New Year's Day
International Poetry Festival in Granada
Beginning of Easter Week (Semana Santa)
Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
Easter Sunday
Labor Day/ May Day
Mother's Day
The Sandinista Revolution Day
Santo Domingo Celebration Start (Managua Hipica)
Last Day of Santo Domingo Celebrations
Tope de Toros (Running of the Bulls) Granada
Hípica Carnival (major festival and parade) Granada
Hipica Horse Parade - Granada
Battle of San Jacinto
Independence Day
Indigenous Resistance Day ( formerly Columbus Day)
All Saint's Day (Day of the Dead)
Griteria Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Christmas Day
New Year's Eve
International Poetry Festival in Granada
Beginning of Easter Week (Semana Santa)
Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
Easter Sunday
Labor Day/ May Day
Mother's Day
The Sandinista Revolution Day
Santo Domingo Celebration Start (Managua Hipica)
Last Day of Santo Domingo Celebrations
Tope de Toros (Running of the Bulls) Granada
Hípica Carnival (major festival and parade) Granada
Hipica Horse Parade - Granada
Battle of San Jacinto
Independence Day
Indigenous Resistance Day ( formerly Columbus Day)
All Saint's Day (Day of the Dead)
Griteria Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Christmas Day
New Year's Eve
Cost of Living in Ecuador and Nicaragua: Video