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Griteria Chiquita in the city of Leon

ViaNica.com | Aug 13, 2010

Cinthia Membreño

Songs for the virgin Mary, altars, visits from house to house, fruits, candies and other gifts will be part of the "Gritería Chiquita", a catholic religious tradition celebrated annually in the city of Leon, located in the department of the same name. The activity will be held tomorrow, August 14, starting at 6:00 pm, when thousands of locals go out and sing songs for the virgin.

The tradition was born on August 14, 1947, when the bishop of Leon of those times, Isidro Oviedo Reyes, suggested to make a penitence activity as a way thanking virgin Mary. The inhabitants of Leon thought it was a miracle that the neighboring Cerro Negro Volcano ceased the expulsion of ashes, which represented the threat of an eruption.

Nowadays, the "Gritería Chiquita" is a replica of the one celebrated in December 7. The giving of gifts. fruits, sweets, toys, beverages and other food, are part of the elements added to the small gritería. The activity has also gained fame because families from Leon have moved out to other cities, taking the tradition along with them.

The "Griteria Chiquita" of Leon will begin tomorrow at 6:00 pm, when the bishop of the cathedral of Leon shouts for the official inauguration. For further information related to religious and cultural activities of Nicaragua, visit our special article.