Nicaragua Celebrations at Rancho Santana

December holds a special place in Nicaraguan hearts, it’s a month of traditions, joy, and, above all, celebrating…

December holds a special place in Nicaraguan hearts, it’s a month of traditions, joy, and, above all, celebrating with the community. Parties and celebrations are commonly held during this month, with festivities kicking off as early as the first week of December to celebrate La Purísima or Gritería.

Nicaraguan Holiday traditions

With such a vast property and so many ventures, we consider the life cycle of everything we use; promoting recyclable and biodegradable materials in our restaurants and kitchens, composting organic waste and using it as fertilizer for our farm and garden, and going so far as to grow our own feed for our farm animals.

As we look to the future, we are excited to develop even more creative solutions that will honor this community and our natural environment and continue to make a positive impact on this earth.

La Gritería

La Purísima or Gritería is a traditional festivity of the immaculate conception celebrated by Nicaraguan Catholics. Over time, this tradition has become very common and is celebrated widely across the Pacific/Western Nicaragua.

La Purísima captures the essence of Nicaraguan culture and spirituality, blending religious fervor with communal joy. The core of the tradition lies in honoring the Virgin Mary as the Immaculate Conception, a significant figure in Catholicism. Devotees adorn altars with intricate, colorful decorations, each symbolizing aspects of Mary’s purity and grace.

One of the most enchanting aspects of La Purísima is the “Gritería,” which translates to “shouting” or “screaming.” On the evening of December 7th, communities come alive with exuberant processions and joyful gatherings. People carry candles, banners, and effigies of the Virgin Mary through the streets, creating a lively and spirited atmosphere.

The highlight of the Gritería is when participants, known as “griteros,” go from house to house, singing praises to the Virgin Mary and shouting, “¿Quién causa tanta alegría?” (Who causes so much joy?). In response, homeowners open their doors and offer small gifts, sweets, and treats to the griteros, symbolizing the generosity and unity of the community.

This tradition is not limited to churchgoers; it welcomes all, fostering a sense of togetherness and inclusivity. It is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Nicaragua, where faith, folklore, and community intertwine seamlessly.

Over time, La Purísima has become a remarkable fusion of religious devotion and cultural celebration. It serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Nicaraguan people and their ability to find joy and unity in their shared traditions. Whether you are a devout Catholic or simply seeking a taste of Nicaraguan culture, participating in La Purísima is an experience that promises both spiritual enlightenment and a deep sense of connection with the local community.

A Nicaraguan Thanksgiving to Remember

With temperatures set to drop in various regions worldwide, The Ranch offers the perfect retreat for you and your family. We have a range of Thanksgiving-themed activities, including our Gratitude Reset Medication, our annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, and a delightful Family-style Thanksgiving Dinner, ensuring enjoyment for everyone in your family.

Winter Solstice at Rancho Santana

Winter Solstice is not only the official commencement of winter but also symbolizes the gradual return of daylight as the days begin to lengthen, offering a glimmer of hope for the impending arrival of spring. In the realm of astrology, the winter solstice denotes the moment when the Sun transitions from the zodiac sign Sagittarius to Capricorn.

The Winter Solstice at Rancho Santana serves as an opportune occasion for deep reflection, celebration, and a recalibration of one’s focus for the approaching season with slow-flow yoga and a sound bath.

Slow-flow yoga is a style of yoga that emphasizes a slower and more deliberate pace compared to more dynamic and fast-paced styles like Vinyasa or Power Yoga. In slow-flow yoga, the focus is on mindful movement and deepening your awareness of your body, breath, and the present moment.

The goal of a sound bath is to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and induce a state of deep meditation or mindfulness. The vibrations and harmonious tones produced by the instruments are believed to have a calming and healing effect on the body and mind. Some people also use sound baths as a way to enhance their spiritual or energy-healing practices.

Learn More About Rancho’s Winter Solstice Yoga and Sound Bath.

Feast of the Seven Fishes

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a cherished Roman Catholic tradition observed on Christmas Eve. This celebration centers around a sumptuous meal featuring various fish and seafood dishes. The practice of consuming seafood on Christmas Eve has its roots in Roman Catholic customs that dictated refraining from meat consumption on the eve of feast days. On such occasions, meat and animal fat were strictly prohibited, leading devout Catholics to turn to fish as a suitable alternative, often prepared by frying in oil. The traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes typically comprises seven distinct seafood dishes. 

Learn More About Rancho’s Feast of the Seven Fishes.

Nicaraguan Christmas

Starting in late November, Christmas symbols begin to dominate homes, businesses, streets, and various other locations. Many families adorn their living rooms with a familiar emblem: an artificial pine tree, given the local climate, adorned with lights, colorful ornaments, bells, and various other decorations.

A Nicaraguan Christmas is also unique to those who are used to snowy Christmas. Traditionally, this Holiday is celebrated with extended family on Christmas Eve. Festivities include Nicaraguan Christmas foods such as relleno navideño (Nicaraguan stuffing), gallina de patio (garden hen), smoked ham, various side dishes, desserts, and drinks.

Learn More About Rancho’s Family-Style Christmas Dinner.

In some households, children are sent to bed early, maintaining the myth of Santa Claus: the jolly, generous man who brings gifts to all. At midnight, children are awakened so they can unwrap their presents and discover what Santa has brought them.

At Rancho Santana, kids can open presents at our Santa’s Presents event at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, December 25, 2023.

New Year’s Eve in Nicaragua

Like many others, our culture celebrates with a party into the early hours of January 1st and, of course, lots of dancing and fireworks! Tourists are always drawn to one particular tradition: when driving through towns in the days leading up to the New Year’s celebrations, you may notice what appear to be men or women sitting on sidewalks or next to front doors. On closer inspection, you will realize they are life-sized dolls. These dolls are made by the household with old clothing, newspapers, and scraps and decorated to later be burnt on the night of New Year’s Eve. This doll is called “el año viejo” and symbolizes the ending of the old year to bring in the new one.

Learn More About New Year’s Eve at Rancho Santana.

Many New Year’s Eve celebrations offer a Prix-Frixe dinner, and Rancho’s is the one you can’t miss. Enjoy stunning views while dining on our curated menu of food and cocktails.

Learn More About Rancho’s New Year’s Eve Prix-Fixe Dinner.

Rancho Santana’s Nicaragua Celebrations Activities

If the prospect of a tropical backdrop of palm trees, sunshine, and warmth is tempting you to escape the cold, here at The Ranch you will be greeted with heartfelt hospitality, Nicaraguan traditions, and fun experiences for all.

Whether you want to treat yourself, engage your family in fun activities, embark on adventures, or give back to the community, The Ranch has something for everyone to enjoy.