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The month of December is full of festivities and merriment! All over Nicaragua, people are celebrating the conception of Mary and the birth of Jesus. In Nicaragua, just as in many other parts of the world, this season is a time for family gatherings, parties going late into the night, and sharing food, gifts and love.
 La Purísima, founded in León in the 18th century, takes place during the first week of December, and is now one of the most prominent traditions in Nicaragua. Families create and decorate altars in their homes in honor of the Virgin Mary; friends and family gather to pray and sing traditional songs to her throughout the week. On December 7th, the last day of La 
Purísima, La Gritería takes place. On this night, the conception of Mary is celebrated and there is literally shouting in the streets! People walk house-to-house, visiting each other's altars, singing and praying, and shouting "Quién causa tanta alegría?" (Who causes so much happiness?). The crowd is answered with, "La Concepción de María!" (Mary's Conception). There are large crowds, firecrackers, dancing, and joy! |
