Special dates
Holidays Celebrated Throughout Nicaragua
Dates |
Celebration |
Activity |
January 1 |
New Year |
National Holiday. Rest from the festivities of the night before. |
January 17 - 27 |
Patron Festivals in Diriamba |
Diriamba is the cradle of "El Güegüense or Macho Ratón.” El Güegüense is the first character of Nicaraguan literature. The theatrical work represents the folklore of Nicaragua and was declared by UNESCO to be a work of “Oral and Intangible Heritage.” During this week, you can enjoy all of the traditional dances of the region and the religious activities in honor of San Sebastián. |
February 14 |
Aniversary of Matagalpa |
On February 14 of 1862, Matagalpa was recognized as a city. Each year we celebrate for three days with street parties, fairs, and cultural activities. |
March 8 |
International Women’s Day |
The women’s movement celebrates the struggle for women’s rights with different cultural activities. |
Between March and April |
Semana Santa |
A week of religious activities where we celebrate with Mass and processions of religious significance every day. The reenactment of the crucifixion is celebrated in Granada in an interesting way: the procession travels to 14 island stations near the Port of Asese. A great many people make use of the week off by visiting the beaches, rivers, and pools. |
May 1 |
International Workers’ Day |
National Holiday |
The month of May |
Festival of the May Pole in Bluefields |
During the entire month, we celebrate with different activities as part of the festival. |
May 30 |
Mothers’ Day |
In cultural centers, we celebrate in honor of mothers all over the country. |
June 23 |
Fathers’ Day |
This day has less signififance than Mothers’ Day and is celebrated in less homes. |
June 29 |
Teachers’ Day |
It is celebrated in high schools and colleges. |
July 19 |
Anniversary of the Triumph of the Sandinistan Revolution |
National Holiday |
August 1-10 |
Patron Saint Festival of Managua, Saint Domingo |
The celebrations begin on the 1st of August and end on the 10th. During this time, you can enjoy cultural presentations in the National Rubén Darío Theater. |
August 14 |
Small outcry in León |
People give thanks to the Virgin for favors received. It is a day where parties are held all over the city and at Poneloya Beach. |
August 15 |
Festival for Saint Augustin in Granda |
A day where the Patron Saint Augustin and the Virgin of the Asunción are celebrated. |
September 14–15 |
The Independence of Nicaragua |
National Holidays |
September 24 |
Patron Saint Festivals in Matagalpa and León, in honor of the Virgin of Merced |
Religious Processions |
November 2 |
Day of the Saints/ Day of the Dead |
Families visit their dead relatives in the cemeteries. |
November 13 |
Tourist Festival of Ometepe |
A festival organized by the Institute of Tourism, which holds many entertaining cultural activities. |
December 07 |
Nicaraguan Outcry |
Religious celebration where believers demonstrate their appreciation to the Virgin by making altars and giving sweets, games, and food to those people who come to sing to the Virgin Mary. |
December 08 |
Day of the Virgin Conception of Mary |
National Holiday |
December 24 |
Christmas Eve |
Families traditionally celebrate by eating stuffed chicken and going out dancing with friends. |
December 25 |
Christmas |
National Holiday. Most people rest from the activities of the night before. |
December 31 |
New Year’s Eve (Festival of the Old Year) |
People make rag dolls representing an old person who died during the year and at the end of the night the dolls are burned to welcome in the New Year. Families traditionally celebrate by eating a stuffed chicken and going out dancing with friends. |