Preparations Undertaken for Patron Festivities in Nicaragua

Managua.- The City Hall of Managua is today getting ready for the patron saint festivities in honor of Santo Domingo de Guzman, to be held from August 1st to 10th, reported Nicaraguan Vice President Rosario Murillo.

To celebrate that popular tradition, the authorities organized cultural activities, bullfights, vigil in the home of a deceased traditionalist where food and drinks will be distributed, the election of the queen, among other events, yet to be confirmed.

Every year the image of the saint is taken down from his niche in the church of Las Sierritas at this time to begin his pilgrimage and remain in the capital until August 10, when it is returned to its altar.

The festivities or agostinas, as they are also called here, take place until then, while the joy takes over the city and the citizens of Managua give free rein to a colorful celebration.

According to legend, in the 19th Century a peasant from Las Sierritas, outside of Managua, found the tiny image of the saint and decided to take it to a church.

However, the natives say that Santo Domingo returned to the place where he was found, an event that motivated the construction of a hermitage in that place, converted years later into the church where the image currently resides.