What preoccupies people in Nicaragua in September? At present we are busy celebrating two national Public Holidays, September 14th and 15th, to commemorate two different historic facts that almost every child knows all about because people attach value to historic facts, especially those that put the fatherland in a proud and glorious light.
On September 15th we celebrate independence from the Spanish in 1821. This event was influenced by developments in neighbouring countries that became independent before Nicaragua. Many Nicaraguans do not know (because it is not emphasized) that Central American countries united behind the growing Mexican Empire; however, that did not last long. The small Central American countries decided to form a Federation which came to a sudden end due to conflicting interests. Finally, Nicaragua became an Independent Republic on April 30th 1838. On September 15th students are expected to attend school and sing the national anthem after which the Declaration of Independence is read.
For many 14th September is the more important day. Schools in all towns of the country march through the streets in commemoration of the first battle of Nicaragua against the North Americans in 1856, after the Americans invaded Nicaragua. The Nicaraguans won the battle, in spite of being clearly outnumbered, because of their weapons as well as their deadly skill in throwing stones.
The procession in Juigalpa lasted for not less than an hour. From all the schools the best students of each class paraded in groups, wearing sashes printed with the text ‘excelencia academica’. The school bands (each school has got one) showed off their skills with boys fanatically beating drums of all sizes and girls in beautiful outfits showing their gymnastic skills. All teachers were also expected to be present.
The procession route through the entire centre of the town was packed with people. Even Jonathan was spell-bound for an hour! He is sensitive to sounds around him, especially those that produce more than the average number of decibels! He enjoyed the sound of the drums and the loud marching cries of the procession leaders keeping their troupes in order, and he even copied some dance steps!
So it was one big party in Nicaragua, but we are back to normal again. Enjoy some of the pictures of the procession and a piece of Nicaragua’s second national anthem.
