Leon Nicaragua: Beautiful Colors and Sounds

25/09/2024

19/08/2018

PILGRIMAGE TO THE BLACK CHRIST OR THE MIRACULOUS LORD OF ESQUIPULAS

This procession to the Lord of Equipulas begun when Volcano Cerro Negro awoke in eruption in 1947 beating the near rural communities of Los Lechecuagos and Chacraseca located in the east of Leon city. The faith moved many people to kick off this tradition that is now reaching its 71 years.

The pilgrimage will depart from sector El Guapango, Lechecuagos on Saturday 25 August at dawn and will be heading to the Volcano Cerro Negro. Along the road people sing hymn, pray and burst bombs or rockets. The trip to arrive at the shrine close to the volcano may last about 2 and a half hours.

Throughout the day, there are several activities but the most important one is after 3 or 4 pm by celebrating a procession and a Holy Mass to the Lord of ESQUIPULAS, in the slopes of the volcano. Then back to the shrine when the sun sets, people stay there all night long by camping and also praying the Holy Rosary, eating, singing, dancing, talking. They live a wonderful night in complete harmony.

At 4:30 am Sunday, the procession or pilgrimage to Esquipulas is ready to return to El Guapango. Along the road families open their home doors to receive the image of Esquipulas and pilgrims. The families share the people cornmade drinks like chicha or maybe, soda, bread, water and sometimes meal. This travel could last about 8 or 10 hours. Pilgrims eat, sing hymn, burst bombs or rockets. it's indeed a nice experience walking those sandy and dusty rural roads under a shiny sun. Sometimes it could be rainy.

If you want to be part of it and explore a new adventure and live a nice spirituality, you can join this on 25 and 26 August, 2018. Keep ready to go!!!

15/08/2018

Most catholics in Leon city paid tribute to the assumption of the Holy Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, on 14 August. This celebration of penitance reached its 71 years which started in 1947 when the Volcano Cerro Negro had a strong eruption for several days. And according to historians, religious groups along with faithful people decided to sing and plead the Virgin Mary in order that she interceded before God to stop that volcanic phenomenon. And the miracle occurred that 14th August. Since then, this tribute to Mary became in a tradition to the present times.

To this we add that every 15th August it is the Assumption of Mary up at heaven. On this date it is called La Griteria Chiquita. The altar owner asks the persons who visit house to house mostly after 6 pm: Who cause so much joy? Visiters respond: The Assumption of Mary. We highlight that in Leon city La Griteria in honor to the Holy Mary is celebrated twice: La Griteria Chiquita every 14 August and La Griteria Grande on 7th December each year. The last one is celebrated nationwide. On this occasion it is asked: Who cause so much joy? and it is answered: The Conception of Mary. That because is it the Holy Mary's birthday on 8th. December.

In every house it is shared fruits, sweeties, toys, etc. Visitors, in exchange, sing songs to the Virgin Mary.

Due to the socio-political crisis that Nicaragua is facing in these times, many different altars were made over cobblestones and decorated with flowers and the nicaraguan blue and white flag. With that, christian catholics pray God through the Holy Mary to bring back peace, justice, democracy and a new government to this great nation.