In contrast to local custom, the ‘cumple año feliz´, the Nicaraguan version of ‘Happy birthday to you’, can already be heard over breakfast. Judith, our German volunteer, starts the day in European style singing congratulations to the birthday girl.
Customs are different in Nicaragua. Birthdays are not considered as important here as they are in the Netherlands. Here it is quite special if one’s birthday is celebrated at all. Often people do not know the date of birth of close relatives, or even their own birthdate for that matter!
Cake!
An advantage is that, if they think of the birthday, the family will organise a party. So, when I was out of the house for some time, the Ruach team took the opportunity to organize my birthday party. As in the Netherlands there are fixed rituals. Food is important, especially the birthday cake, which is often very sweet and well-decorated. The birthday song is sung just before the cake is cut and it signals the end of the party. Presents are part of the party, and are often of a practical nature: shampoo, a sweater etc. Beautifully wrapped presents are put aside and are only unwrapped after the visitors have gone. Each country has its own traditions, but it seems birthdays in our home are now getting an international character.
Making a wish
How do our residents respond to the party preparations and the celebration? Daniel and Loyda do not show much interest in a ‘special’ day. Jonathan is more aware of birthdays, but he is not much interested in whose birthday it is, even if it is his own. Birthday gifts also have little meaning for him. But coca cola and cake are important, that makes the party!
Judith produced a delicious original apple cake. For most of the merry-makers it was the first time they had tasted this kind of cake. Juana cooked a lot of food, so that there was a delicious meal for everyone. And we played games. Before the cake was cut we all joined in with blowing out the imaginary candles. Popular belief has it that if a person is able to blow out all candles in one go they can make a wish. Of course we did not fail to make use of this chance.
Astrid Delleman in collaboration with Stichting Vivir Juntos
