Festivities in honor of Rubén Darío
ViaNica.com | Jan 8, 2010
The 143rd anniversary of the birth of the renowned Nicaraguan poet, Rubén Darío, is currently being celebrated in Ciudad Darío, located in the department of Matagalpa. The activities started on January 11, at 10:00 pm, with an opening ceremony at the Rubén Darío museum, according to Luis Morales Alonso, Director of the Nicaraguan Institute of Culture (INC). The program of activities includes a poetry marathon, film screenings, conferences, a festival and others.
Elbia Estrada, General Secretary of the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (INTUR), explained that the festivities in honor of Rubén Darío are part of the 18 tourism projects of Ruta del Café, an initiative that benefits five departments of the Northern zone of Nicaragua (Jinotega, Matagalpa, Estelí, Nueva Segovia and Madriz). "We aim to improve the local economy with this projects", said Estrada.
Moreover, Ángel Rafael Cardoza, mayor of Ciudad Darío, stated that it took almost seven months to organize the activities and, for this occasion, they expect near to 2, 000 national and foreigner tourists. According to the mayor, various improvements have been made to receive those tourists, specifically at the Rubén Darío museum. "The lighting, the cobbled streets around it, bathrooms and walls have been improved", he said.
In addition, Luis Morales also announced a calling for a painting contest, which slogan is "Painting the poems of Rubén Darío". The reception of pieces will begin in May and the selected pieces will be part of the inauguration in September. The murals will be placed from the entrance of the city to the museum. With this, the authorities pretend to make Ciudad Darío a cultural, tourist and historical destination.
One of the most important days of the festivities will be Monday, January 18, Darío´s date of birth. The program will start with a morning Mass at the church of Ciudad Darío, at 9:00 am. Right after that, there will be a concert by the Nicaraguan Chamber Orchestra and, at 11:00 am, a parade will tour the main streets of the city. When the parade ends, the inauguration of the improvements of the Rubén Darío museum will be held. Later on, at 7:00 pm, there will be a party in different parts of Ciudad Darío. For further information about the program of activities go to our Events Calendar.