The Best 7 Festivals And Events In Nicaragua

Every country has its fascinating festivals, and Nicaragua is no different. Here are some of the best events that you should look out for when you’re planning your trip.

La Purisima and La Griteria

This tradition takes place from the end of November leading up to December, 8. People make altars to celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary (La Purisima), and on December, 8 they walk the streets shouting and singing (La Griteria) as they visit other altars built by friends and neighbours.

La Judea

Equestrians of Managua, Managua

Head to the Nicaraguan capital on August, 1 and August, 10 to experience this horse festival. Beautiful horses march through the city centre accompanied by revelers, and the whole city comes together in celebration.

Dariana Day, Matagalpa

To celebrate the life of poet Ruben Dario the town of Matagalpa comes alive from January, 5-18 each year. There are recitals, parades and more for visitors to enjoy.

Latin American Surfing Competition, San Juan del Sur

For a week at the end of November the top names in Latin American surfing come to Playa Maderas near San Juan del Sur to test their mettle. It’s a great time to come and see some of the best waves in the region.

Rio San Juan Carnival, San Carlos

With more than 17,000 participants, this carnival is quite the show. Head to San Carlos on the San Juan river from January, 15-21, and you’ll be able to join in and watch the aquatic float parade as well as buying souvenirs from local artisans.

Caballo Español Pura Sangre Fair, Granada

International horse owners bring their thoroughbred Spanish horses to this event in Granada from January, 5-9. Head to the city’s jockey club to see the events.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.