Fiestas Patronales

Two of the pueblos near Masaya are in their fiestas patronales right now. These are celebrations for the saints that are associated with the pueblos Nindiri and Niquinohmo, the churches get all decorated and its very pretty. Its also kind of like a fair, there is a ferris wheel in Nindiri which I refuse to ride and lots of candy and food for sale everywhere. I went to some of the parties on Tuesday night (look at me, going out on a Tuesday!) and it was a lot of fun. First we went to Nindiri and hung out there for a while, and then we went to Niquinohmo which was more fun. There was a dance in the community center there so we danced for a while and then came back to Masaya. All in all it was a good night.

Yesterday I went to the Verbena with my friend Sarah. Every Thursday there is a dance presenation at the Mercado Viejo, which is actually an old castle here in Masaya. It was fun, there was lots of folkloric dancing and singing. Carlos and Edwin came a bit later, and they were telling us all about the history of the dances and stuff...I think most of the folkloric dances originated with locals making fun of traditional Spanish dances during colonization. Later there was a competition with local youths (every time I use that word I think of My Cousin Vinny). First there was a singing competition, very similar to American Idol. Then there was a break dancing competition, and I have to say it was really impressive. There were two teams who first presented a choreographed dance and then they had a dance off, I don`t know what you would call it really...each member had to go against one from the other team. I don`t know how they do some of the moves, spinning on their heads and flopping around all over the place. It was really entertaining.

Big news...today I am going to make BROWNIES. Brownies are not common here, but I found a mix so we`re making some today, I`m VERY excited about it. Nothing like Betty Crocker!