Nicaragua

= = Nicaragua's Christmas Customs  By Mariana

[[image:http://www.worldmapnow.com/images/2011/01/Nicaragua-Map-3.jpg width="251" height="206" align="left"]]
Background Information Nicaragua, whose official name is the Republic of Nicaragua, is the largest country in Central America. It's about the size of the state of Alabama. Its capitol is Managua and its official language is Spanish. Their population is 5,891,199 people. Nicaraguan culture is strongly influenced by folklore, religion, music, and European culture. Nicaragua does not have an official religion, but the most popular religion is Roman Catholic.

Christmas Customs of Nicaraguamedia type="youtube" key="e3gZ0hAFIGA" height="315" width="420" align="right"

Many of Nicaragua's Christmas customs are derived from Spain's. One of the traditions is a celebration called Las Posadas. Las Posadas is a nine day celebration that starts on December 16th. It re-enacts the birth of Jesus Christ and the story of Mary and Joseph trying to find shelter. It is celebrated for nine days to signify the nine months that Mary was pregnant with Jesus. The word posada means "lodging" in Spanish. The las posada on December 24th is followed by a midnight mass.

Another Christmas tradition in Nicaragua takes place on January 6th, after Christmas. On this day they celebrate La Griteria, which is when children go from door to door to collect candy, fruit, gifts, instruments that make noise and toys. This tradition is similar to our Halloween. They also celebrate in the street with firecrackers and fireworks. La Griteria is the celebration of virgin Mary's conception and giving thanks to her. They go into the streets and scream and sing to the virgin Mary. "Griteria" means "shouting" in English. Home owners place alters at their house and children come along and sing. After they sing they recieve their presents.

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