by Stephanie Thomas

”The dogs receive Mass?” We were visiting Masaya’s Magdalena church in the indigenous barrio of Monimbó and our Nicaraguan guide Ruth López was explaining how every year the second Sunday before Easter, grateful pet owners dress their dogs as children, witches, space aliens and more in thanks to Saint Lazarus for wishes and miracles fulfilled. And they do, in fact, receive Mass. Afterwards, corn liquor and food is served for all. There are even awards given for the best dressed dog, she added. (more…)

by Alex Egerton
Buried treasure, hidden tunnels, and a grand swindle involving the original plans – ask any resident of León about their cathedral and they are sure to have a tale to tell.
With its domed roof, thick walls, and short bell towers, the Basilica Catedral de la Asunción, as the cathedral is known officially, is one of the best-known buildings in the country. It is also the largest church in Central America and the third largest cathedral in all of Latin America after structures in Mexico and Peru.
Over one hundred years in the making, the cathedral contains elements of three distinct architectural styles: Colonial, Neo-classical and Central American Baroque.
So what is such a majestic structure doing in such a small city? The history of the cathedral is closely linked to the story of the León itself and demonstrates the important position that it once held in the region.
The Basilica is in fact the fourth cathedral to occupy the western side of the central park. The first structure was an improvised design erected in 1610 shortly after the city was moved from León Viejo after the Momotombo Volcano erupted, making life at that site impossible. This structure was demolished to make way for a more permanent monument in 1621.

by Adelaida Betancourt

Just 45 kilometers southwards out of Managua are the White Towns (Pueblos Blancos), also known as the “Wizard Towns” or Pueblos Brujos. White Towns because that is the color of most of the adobe houses. Wizard Towns because of the fortune telling and sorcery some of its residents are famous for.

These small towns just up the hills from Masaya are known for their handicrafts (pottery, furniture, woodwork, etc.) and each has its own special charm. They are ripe with history and a delight for eyes seeking to take in picturesque sites.

These towns are very religious and conserve their cultural traditions. A noteworthy one is the Journey of the Oxcarts. Every Easter, ox-drawn carts laden with fruits as an offering to the Church leave from Masaya and pass through the White Towns on their way to San Jorge on the shores of Lake Nicaragua in the Department of Rivas.

by Chris Mason

Nicaragua is fast becoming known as a fresh and relatively un-traveled tourist destination. Some even go as far as calling it the “new Costa Rica.” With giant smoldering volcanoes and vast lakes speckling the landscape, it sometimes feels more like being in a lost world.

Nicaragua is definitely not lost, though it is overlooked by the majority of world travelers. This was not without reason since over the last fifty years the country and its people have suffered many hardships such as natural disasters and civil wars, which made it difficult and dangerous to travel here. Things are better now, with relative political stability and no hurricanes on the horizon. It’s not hard to understand why everyone here enjoys hanging out in hammocks and relaxing. People are enjoying a peaceful life they deserve. The quiet after the storm. (more…)