CULTURE
Nicaragua has rich cultural
traditions that reflect long-standing, sharp class and ethnic
cleavages. The elite, “professional” tradition was
exemplified in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by the literary
works of Rubén Darío, known as the “prince
of Spanish-American poetry.” The folk traditions were expressed
in beautiful arts and crafts, popular religious ceremonies, and
country music (corridos).
Nicaraguan culture is largely
a mixture of Hispanic and Native American elements, with regional
variations. Many folk dances are drawn from both traditions. The
most notable are those of Masaya, including Las Inditas and Toro
Guaco, a dance in which figures representing Spanish conquistadors
and Native Americans mock each other’s cultures. There are
many local festivals, including the celebration of the feast of
Santo Domingo in Managua during the first ten days of August.
This combines popular celebrations with a religious pilgrimage.
Music is a vital part of such events, which include the playing
of marimbas, guitars, traditional flutes (zuls), and maracas.
Along the Caribbean coast there is greater African influence on
music and dance.
The
drama and emotions of the insurrectionary and revolutionary periods
from the late 1970s through 1990 produced a flourishing of artistic
expression. Masterly work was exemplified in the paintings of
Alejandro Canales, Armando Morales, and Leoncio Sáenz;
the poetry of Gioconda Belli and Ernesto Cardenal; the novels
of Vice President Sergio Ramírez; the testimonial narratives
of Omar Cabezas; the “New Song Movement” led by Carlos
Mejía Godoy; and the theatre of Alan Bolt.
