La Purísima and La Gritería: What to Know About Nicaragua's Unique Christmas Tradition

While Christmas is a big deal across Central America, in Nicaragua they have a unique celebration that takes place a few weeks before.

Fun Catholic tradition takes place throughout Nicaragua
La Purísima is a religious event that celebrates the conception of the Virgin Mary, taking place at the end of November. Catholic devotees celebrate with nine days of prayer and the building of an altar in their homes, as well as singing and gifts for those who visit it.

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Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
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A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
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2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.Then on December 7 comes La Gritería, which translates as “the shouting.” As you might have guessed, it’s a raucous occasion. At 6pm, people start to shout the question: ¿Qué causa tanta alegría?” (What causes so much happiness?), and others respond with “La Concepción de María” (Mary’s Conception).

Singing, sweets and snacks
This call and response goes on for some time before fireworks and firecrackers are set off, with people singing in the streets and visiting the altars of their friends and neighbours. Groups repeat the call and response as they visit each house, receiving traditional food, sweets and drinks (known as “la gorra”) from homeowners.
People also sing traditional carols devoted to the Virgin Mary, and more firecrackers are set off at midnight, 6am and midday between December 7 and 8. Don’t expect to get a good night’s sleep; you’re better off being out and about with the locals.

Head to Leon to see the dancing giant
The celebration is a tradition throughout Nicaragua, although there are regional variations. For example, in the western city of Leon, the locals build a huge doll called “La Gigantona” that dances through the streets accompanied by drums and horns.
If you are in Nicaragua from the end of November to December, make sure you get involved with the tradition. It’s a great way to meet locals and see inside their homes while being part of a huge national celebration.
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