June is an amazing month of culture here in Nicaragua. While each town in Nicaragua has its own Patron Saint, San Juan del Sur celebrates the month of June for Saint John. Nicaraguans of all ages honor the saint’s birthday annually with celebrations called Fiestas Patronales.
The purpose is mainly religious and include church services and vigils, but the locals celebrate with so much more- music, folklore dance, concerts, games, rodeos, and the occasional cervesa or Nica Libre. The festivities switch into high gear on the weekends with all-night celebrations, fireworks display, mariachis, marimbas, and a Gigantonas dance-off. My personal favorite, are the Juegos Bufos (silly games). These games consisted of Palo Lucio -where men attempt to climb to the top of a very tall, greased pole- and also Chancho Lucio – where a greased pig is unleashed in the streets of the pueblo and grown men and children attempt to capture it! The crowd grows to hundreds, you hear screams and laughter, and all you see are smiles and people enjoying their culture. As a foreigner, experiencing these games and all the culture is eye opening and educational!
This upcoming weekend we are looking forward to the Hipica, a Traditional horse show and ride thru the streets of San Juan- Sunday June 30th at 12pm, the crowning of the new Hipica Queen, a live Latin concert and more eventful days at the rodeo!!
While you’re in town, be sure to check out all these festivities and partake in the culture of Nicaraguan!!!
~Candace
