Authentic traditional dances of Masaya in the National Theater

Róger Solórzano Canales | Oct 5, 2011

A varied selection of folkloric dances and music from Masaya will be shown, for the first time, at the Ruben Dario National Theater. Each piece will be performed by authentic traditional dancers and musicians, who usually take over the streets of this city as part of its annual festivities. The show will be held this Sunday, October 9, at 6:00 pm.

One hundred and fifty artists, from several traditional groups, will participate. Most of them were born in the indigenous neighborhood of Monimbó, according to what the artistic director Pedro Gutiérrez explained. It will be a 1 hour and a half show that will recreate, with a special scenario, a chronological overview of the dances that can be seen in Masaya from January to December. In addition, live music will be in charge of the Pedro Muñoz's marimbas, a philharmonic band, a group of voices and strings and traditional drums.

The show will begin with indigenous expressions and a recreation of the festivities of the Virgen de la Asunción. The philharmonic band from San Sebastian will follow, as well as a group of dancers that will represent the festivities of San Jerónimo and other manifestations: El mestizaje, Las Inditas, Las Húngaras, Los diablitos, Bailes de negras, Torovenado, Los Agüizotes, and many others. Finally, the audience will see some of the cultural expressions that are held in December. Pedro Guitérrez explained that this show will include 17 dance numbers, all of them performed by traditional artists.

Carlos Centeno, general director of the show, stated that its goal is to "share with the audience the most pure and native folkloric traditions and promote our pride of Nicaragua". This cultural activist declared that attendees will not the plastic, lush and academic side of the professional groups. Instead, they will see something strictly traditional. He stated that it was an honor to present something that belongs to the street at the "mecca of national artists, when referring to the Ruben Dario National Theater.

Ramon Rodriguez, director of the national theater, stated that they hope to organize cultural performances from other regions of the country by next year. Luis Morales, director of the Nicaraguan Institute of Culture (INC), promoter of the event, invited national and foreigners to attend the show, since Masaya is not only the cradle of the Nicaraguan culture, but also a symbol of indigenous resistance, he said.

Tickets are available for sale at the Ruben Dario National Theater and Casa de los Centeno, in Masaya. Its prices are: US$120 (first balcony), C$100 (second balcony and platea) and US$60 (third balcony).

Translated by Cinthia Membreño