Fire-spitting bulls

Trip Start Aug 15, 2007
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Trip End Aug 31, 2008


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Flag of Nicaragua  ,
Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Granada's quiet sister, Leon is another Spanish colonial town known for its amazing cathedrals, including the largest in Central America. Murals are found throughout the city, a known Sandinista stronghold, depicting the struggles of the city throughout the years.

Central America is known for many colorful festivals and the first we stumbled upon was the "Dia de La Merced". Thousands of people pack the square in front of the cathedral La Merced, overflowing into the surrounding streets. The typical street vendors selling blinking lights, balls and candy abound just like any other festival. The party gets started at dark and last through midnight. The real fun, and the reason for the crowds, is that every half hour, but not too exact in order to keep the suspense, drums begin to beat indicating the arrival of the bull. Not a real bull, but man-made with fireworks streaming from all sides causing the masses to scatter in all directions. If the bull comes your way, best to run or be trampled!

If you're ever here, the Ortiz-Gurdian Art Museum offers an excellent collection of contemporary and classical works focused primarily on Central American artists.
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