The capital of Nicaragua, Managua, said goodbye this Wednesday, August 10, to the image of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, in an unusually sober atmosphere, rarely seen in the largest parties in the Central American country.
As is the tradition since 1885, a multitude of Catholics went out in procession around the image of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, which was transferred from the old center of Managua to his home, located in the Las Sierritas community, on the outskirts of the city.
The crowd accompanied the image on its 10-kilometer journey, while dancing to the sound of philharmonics and shouts in honor of the venerated or the Catholic Church.
Related news: Horsemen’s Association cancels horse parade in Managua on August 10
Contrary to other years, the great Nicaraguan party took place in a moderate, colorful atmosphere, but without the usual excesses as a result of the crowd and alcohol.
Hours before, the Association of Horsemen of Managua (ACMA) had warned that, “by guidance of the Organizing Committee of the Equestrian Parade and Traditional Festivals of Managua”, the popular parade would not take place, which each year accompanied the festivities of Santo Domingo de Guzman in the city.
A police fence that separated the image from the Catholic faithful contributed to the sparse atmosphere, since it broke the custom of many promisers who are accustomed to touching the “Saint” to confirm their faith.
The decline in spirits did not prevent some of the faithful from attending with the usual joy, especially the traditionalists, including the group of “carriers” of the image, the “little devils”, who are men with their bodies painted with black oil and a spear; the “inditos”, who are painted red, with horns and a spear; the “big ass cows”, who wear bovine attire; or women of huipil, typical Nicaraguan costume.
Three years later
The traditionalists, like the rest of the Catholics, had not had this opportunity since 2019, since the Episcopate decided to suspend the agglomeration activities in mid-2020, after it was confirmed that the covid-19 pandemic had reached Nicaragua.
The image of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, about 18 centimeters high, stood out from the crowd on a pedestal carried by dozens of men and adorned with hundreds of white and yellow roses, the colors of the Catholic Church.
Around him, firecrackers and philharmonic music did not stop animating the atmosphere, while the faithful danced or prayed around him, in payment for the miracles received.
Just like 10 days ago, when the image entered the old center of Managua, the procession advanced with a speed that surprised Catholics.
With the departure of the image of Santo Domingo de Guzmán from Managua, 10 days of popular festivals in the Nicaraguan capital concluded.
The parties, capable of attracting hundreds of thousands of people, are so large that Santo Domingo de Guzmán is often believed to be the patron saint of Managua, a title that actually belongs to Santiago Apóstol.
But few Nicaraguans notice that. In Managua, Santo Domingo de Guzmán is revered par excellence, and his festivals, as sober as they may be, continued to be the largest in Nicaragua.
