Juan David Latorre
On December 7, the Nicaraguan Embassy celebrated the festivity of “La Gritería”, in honour of La Purísima, the Virgin of the Conception, with the Chargé d’Affaires of the delegation, Milagros Urbina, as hostess, awaiting the arrival of the new ambassador, Maurizio Gelli.
“Nicaragua, said Milagros Urbina, the land of lakes, volcanoes, rivers, lagoons, the safest country in the region, of friendly people, dresses in colours, joy, fervour and has a taste of sweets in December, especially on the 7th when Nicaraguans celebrate La Gritería in honour of the Immaculate Conception, a celebration that originated in the city of León in 1857″.
“The city of León, as the birthplace of this tradition, annually receives hundreds of people who congregate minutes before 6 p.m. in the historic centre, in the atrium of the Cathedral, to respond to the cry of “Who causes so much joy?” pronounced by the bishop of this city and to witness the fireworks display, which is accompanied by drums, sirens, bells, bulls, the giantess, the big-headed dwarf and other rhythms that characterise the city that Rubén Darío loved so much”, continued the Nicaraguan Businesswoman.
With contained joy and emotion, Milagros Urbina went on to describe the events that are held annually on this occasion: “After the shout, she continued, the attendees walk through the main streets of the city, stopping in front of houses decorated with altars. But beyond a colourful celebration, La Gritería unites families and is a moment to share, to pay homage to the Virgin, elaborating altars that can include branches of madroño (national tree), flowers, corozos, lights, various decorations, fabrics, emblems, different figures, and in the centre they place the image of the Virgin of the Conception, which is the objective of the celebration.
“This feast, which is a symbol of love and brotherhood, is celebrated in all corners of Nicaragua,” said Milagros Urbina. From the highest of the segovias and in the most remote communities of the Caribbean, La Gritería or Purísima comes annually to unite families and friends, and allows an entire people to share the little or much they have with others.”
The event was attended by a large representation of the Nicaraguan community in Madrid, accompanied by the Venezuelan Head of Mission, Comoroto Godoy, and the Ambassador of Honduras, Marlon Brevé Reyes.
