Last Day of Santo Domingo Celebrations in Nicaragua

The Last Day of Santo Domingo Celebrations, known in Nicaragua as the culmination of the Festivities of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, is a vibrant and significant religious event that takes place every year on August 10th. These festivities begin on August 1st and last for ten days in Managua, the capital city.

History and Traditions

The celebrations are rooted in the discovery of a small statue of Santo Domingo de Guzmán (Saint Dominic) by a woodcutter named Vicente Aburto in 1885. According to tradition, this statue was found near where the Las Sierritas church is now located, and mysteriously disappeared to be found again at its original discovery site. This occurrence was interpreted as a sign that Saint Dominic wished to remain there. As a result, Nicaraguans honor this miracle with annual festivities.

The traditions during these days include:

• Religious Processions: The image of Santo Domingo travels from the church in Las Sierritas to the Saint Dominic church in Managua's old downtown area on August 1st and returns on August 10th.
• Masses and Prayers: Special services are held for worshippers to offer prayers and attend masses honoring the saint.
• Cultural Events: Folkloric dances, music performances, traditional food stalls, and other cultural events are organized throughout Managua.
• Bullfights: Unlike Spanish bullfights, Nicaraguan-style bullfights involve participants trying to ride or touch bulls without any harm coming to the animals.
• Fireworks: Spectacular fireworks displays light up the sky during these festive days.

Activities

On the last day:

• People take part in the final procession as it makes its way back to Las Sierritas with much fanfare.
• Participants often wear red and white clothing—colors associated with Saint Dominic.
• Devotees come together for one last day of celebration with dance, music, food, and communal prayer.

Indulging in traditional foods like "güirilas" (corn pancakes), "nacatamales" (Nicaraguan tamales), and "vigorón" (a cabbage salad dish) is common among attendees. The last day concludes with an emotional farewell until next year's festivities.