Fiestas Patrias

Nicaragua won its independence from Spain in September 1821. In 1856, William Walker from the U.S. lead a mercenary army to gain military stability in Nicaragua and declared himself president. On September 14th, opposing Nicaragua sides united at the Battle of San Jacinto to defeat Walker and his men.

September in Nicaragua is a time to celebrate independence and the culture of Nicaragua. Students and teachers had dance practice three times a week to prepare for the big day. Spanish teachers also worked on presentations, projects, poems, and decorations with students.

All of my student gave presentations to the younger grades and judges about the department of Rivas.

Mid-morning we walked around to see presentations by the highschoolers. Plenty of livestock were present as well. Horses, chickens, and donkeys added to presentations to give the students a feel of what it is like in each department of Nicaragua.

Then NCA transformed into pre-dance recital mode. Mothers rushed in with make up, dresses, and flowers to get their daughters ready for the dances.

Everyone squeezed into the chapel to listen to poems, watch the dances, and sing the national song. Here are my kids in action:

 And finally, the anticated teacher dance:

How did we do? Well, my kids told me I did good, and they wouldn't lie to me...

Here is a video of the dances. I compiled videos from some of my friends, but it seems that nobody got footage after about a minute and a half into the dance. After that is where it got harder and we probably looked hilarious...

I know last time a couple people said they couldn't see the video. Let me know if that is a problem again.

xoxoxoo
Laura