CITY/MUNICIPALITY/DEPARTMENT ANNIVERSARIES
Ciudad Sandino - Juigalpa - Managua -
Jinotepe - Jinotega - Matagalpa - Cuidad Darío - Sn Marcos - Boaco - Nueva Guinea - Nagarote - El Tuma-La Dalia - Rio Sn Juan - Niquinohomo - Nindirí - Sn Juan de Rio Coco - Diriamba - Bluefields - Jinotega - Sn Juan del Sur - Madriz - León - Tipitapa - Estelí

On this page, you'll be able to find anniversary dates of some of our departments, cities and towns; and in some cases, a short descriptions of them. CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO CITIES, NICARAGUA


 CIUDAD SANDINO, MANAGUA


It's been three years since Ciudad Sandino officially separated from Managua City and formed a municipality(Jan. 17, 2000), and thirty since it was first created. To celebrate their special day, there were a couple of sporting events. Also, there was a streetfair and some other cultural events. Not to forget the performances by many musical groups. Ciudad Sandino is located more or less 15 km from Managua City.

Information taken from:
La Prensa



 JUIGALPA, CHONTALES



It was on a January 27th, 1879, when Juigalpa, capital of the department of Chontales, was honored the category of a city. To celebrate this special day, the 124th anniversary, many cultural, social and sporting events took place. Also, the 124th Anniversary Queen was crowned. The city is located some 137 km east of Managua City.

Information taken from: El Nuevo Diario & La Prensa


 MANAGUA, MANAGUA



This past February 5th, 2003, the capital city of Managua celebrated its 151st Anniversary as the capital of the country. To start the celebration, there were school marching bands parading all over the city since early hours of the day. There were also many cultural and social activities. In April, there was a carnival to celebrate this special occasion.

OVERVIEW:
Managua City, nicknamed "La Novia del Xolotlán"[The Bride of Xolotlán(Xolotlán being the neighboring lake)], is the financial, industrial and commercial center of the country and with its million plus inhabitants, it's certainly the noisiest and busiest one. Since it was declared the capital, it's faced prosperity as well as devastation but once again trying to bounce back. ^ top

Information taken from: El Nuevo Diario
For additional information, surf to: My Managua Page.

 JINOTEPE, CARAZO



Jinotepe, the capital of the department of Carazo, celebrated this past Feb. 11th, 2003, its 120th year since it was declared a city back in 1883. To celebrate this special occasion, there were performances by the marching bands of the local schools at very early hours of the day. There were many cultural, sporting and social events around the city.

OVERVIEW:
Jinotepe, which in "Nahualt" language means "Cerro de Chilote"(Hill of Corn)", is located at 500+ meters above sea level and has a population of little more than 34,000. The city, nicknamed "La Cuidad de la Eterna Primavera"(The City of the Eternal Spring), is located about 40 kms south-east of Managua and has a reputation of being the cleanest city of the country. ^ top

Information taken from: El Nuevo Diario


 JINOTEGA, JINOTEGA



The same day Jinotepe was upgrated to the category of a city, Jinotega, head city of the department of the same name, was too, back on Feb. 11th, 1883. This was the first time cityhall celebrated this special day. There was a musical marching bands parading all over the city accompanied by fireworks. There were also religious events. In the night, there were cultural events and performances by local musical bands.

OVERVIEW: Jinotega, also known as "La ciudad de las brumas", is located more or less 150 km north of Managua. Like Matagalpa, it's currently facing difficult times due to the drop of the international price of coffee and it's turning to eco-tourism in order to survive. Hope things change for the better. ^ top

Information taken from: La Prensa

 MATAGALPA, MATAGALPA



It was on a February 14th, 1862, when Matagalpa was honored the category of city. So, to celebrate its 141st anniversary(2003), there were many events around the city that promoted tourism and culture. First, the day of the anniversary, a marching band paraded all around the city early in the morning. They elected and crowned the "141st Anniversary Queen". They had a "bacanal"(big party) in which many musical groups entertained more than fifty thousand visitors. Also, the National Assembly(Congress) will have a session in the city.

OVERVIEW:
Matagalpa, "La Perla del Septentrión"(The Northern Pearl), is located some 130 kms North of Managua City and has a population of little more than 120,000. The city, located at 600+ meters above sea level, has always been very prosperous due to the exportation of its delicious coffee. However, it is currently facing its worst times(economically speaking) in its history due to: Hurricane Mitch(1998), a heavy drought the country is facing and the drop of the international price of the coffee, which was its main source of income. Now, the city is looking to eco-tourism, since it has a lot to offer, in order to improve its economy. Hotel Selva Negra is a perfect example of that. Located at 1,200 meters above sea level, this hotel offers its visitors Mother Nature at her best and also, a Coffee Tour. Goodluck Matagalpa. ^ top

Information taken from: La Prensa

 CIUDAD DARIO, MATAGALPA



This past Feb 24th, 2002, Ciudad Darío not only celebrated its 82nd anniversary of being upgraded to the category of a city, but it also celebrated the rename of the town from San Pedro de Metapa(A.K.A Metapa) to its current one, in dedication to the Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío(He was born here). To celebrate the special day, the Mayor gave the day off to everyone in the city and of course, there was a party in the city's main plaza. ^ top

Information taken from: El Nuevo Diario

 SAN MARCOS, CARAZO



This past March 1st, 2003, it was San Marco's turn to celebrate, since it's their 87th anniversary since being declared a city back in 1916. They had cultural and sporting events to celebrate this day. ^ top

Information taken from: La Prensa

 BOACO, BOACO



This time, it was Boaco's turn to celebrate its 108th(2003) anniversary since it was declared a City, back in March 4, 1895. To celebrate this special day, there was a streetfair near the central park. Also, cultural events. And to finish things up, there was a performance by the National Symphony. The city, and department of the same name, is located approx. 110 km north-east of Managua. ^ top

Information taken from: La Prensa


NUEVA GUINEA, R.A.A.S(REGION AUTONOMA DEL ATLANTICO SUR)

Right after Boaco's special day, comes Nueva Guinea's(March 5). At only 38 years since it was upgrated to a city back in 1965, it's the country's youngest cities. For this occasion, many activities were planned. There was a parade, in which "chicheros" and "la gigantona" entertained people, accompanied by fireworks. ^ top

Information taken from: La Prensa

 NAGAROTE, LEÓN



On May 16th, 1963, the Government upgraded the village of Nagarote to the category of a city. So, for its 39th anniversary(2002) as a city, there were many activities around the city. To begin with, there were performances by the local school marching bands. There was also a street fair where visitors could enjoy typical dishes and drinks. And to finish things up, there was a concert by the National Symphony of Nicaragua.

OVERVIEW: The city of Nagarote, located about 75 kms north of Managua, has very interesting places yet to be discovered and explored. For example, there is the Copaltepe Hill where the native indians had a settlement and left many of their ceramics. In the other hand, Nagarote makes one of the best "quesillos"(a typical snack) in the country. Besides, it's a recognized a one of the cleanest cities in the country.  ^ Top

Information taken from: El Nuevo Diario & La Prensa
For additional information, please surf to: www.LeonTuristico.com

 EL TUMA-LA DALIA, MATAGALPA



This is year is the 13th year(2002) since the municipality of El Tuma-La Dalia was created back on August 17th, 1989. To celebrate this occasion, the town residents elected the queen of the 13th anniversary. They also danced to the rhythm of Los Mokuanes.

OVERVIEW: La Tuma-La Dalia is located about 175km north of Managua. This town produces 25% of the national coffee and because of the drop in coffee prices, it has been severely affected. Hopefully, things can get better for the locals. ^ top

Information taken from: La Prensa


 RIO SAN JUAN


It's been 53(2002) years since the department of Rio San Juan was created, when on a July 25, 1949, it was separated from the department of Chontales. The celebrations took place in the head city of that department, San Carlos. To start the day, there was a performance by a marching band followed by a parade. In the city's main park, there were many cultural activities by folkloric groups and a streetfair providing, of course, Nicaragua typical dishes as well as typical dishes/drinks from that department.

OVERVIEW: The Río San Juan department is located in the southeastern part of the country. It was named after the San Juan River which flows along the department. This is a very historic and beautiful place that sadly, can't be visited so easily. Some parts of the road going here, is not in such good conditions. However, it could also be reached by air and by water through Lake Cocibolca. Hopefully, the government does something to help this region that is almost Costa Rican because Nicaraguan Television can hardly be seen there. ^ top

Information taken from: La Prensa


 NIQUINOHOMO, MASAYA


This city celebrated bit time during a week for the reason that it NOT ONLY celebrated its 40th anniversary(2002) since it was upgraded to the category of a city, back on August 24th, 1962, BUT ALSO, because it was also be declared a National Historic Patrimony.

The celebrations started off with the coronation of the "Novia de Niquinohomo". There was also a parade and a carnival, in addition to a streetfair where they performed cultural activities. Then on the 24th, at 5am there was a marching band marching all over the city. At 10am, the National Assembly gather at Santa Ana Church to declare the city a National Historic Patrimony.

OVERVIEW:
Niquinohomo, which in Nahualt language means "Valle de los Guerreros"(Valley of Warriors) is located about 45km southeast of Managua. It is the birthplace of Nicaragua's most patriotic man: Augusto C. Sandino. It's also one of the six "Pueblos Blancos"(white towns). This city has contributed a lot to the Nicaraguan culture; here the cultural dances of "Macho Ratón", "chinegro" and "la vaquilla" as well as other typical stuff were originated. ^ top

Information taken from: El Nuevo Diario & La Prensa


 NINDIRÍ, MASAYA


It was turn for this other city of Masaya to celebrate; this time, Nindirí's 7th anniversary as a city on Sep. 1st, 2002.

The 3-day celebration, started on the 30th with the 8 candidates to the Queen of Nindirí parading along the main streets on the typical southern "ciclo-taxis"(cyle-taxi; biclycles or motorcycles transformed into taxis). Those candidates would later go to the local gym for the coronation of the Queen of Nindirí. The following day, there was a parade but this time of marching bands from the nearby cities/towns and of course, "La Gigantona" and "El Enano Cabezón" will be parading along with them. During the night, there was a street party where every could enjoy national music, food and drinks. ^ top

Information taken from: La Prensa

 SAN JUAN DE RIO COCO, MADRIZ



On October 1st, 2002, San Juan de Rio Coco celebrated its 38th anniversary since it was upgraded to the category of municipality. During the early ours of that day, nobody could not hear the marching bands that paraded along the main streets as well as the fireworks.  ^ top

Information taken from: La Prensa

 DIRIAMBA, CARAZO



Back on October 10th, 1894, Diriamba was pronounced a city by the Government. Now, it's celebrating its 108th anniversary but many locals say there isn't much to celebrate. During the last century, Diriamba was a very prosperous city but since 1979, it has not produced much. Once known as the "Crib of Gueguense"(native dance), locals now call it "The Lost City" because the city is not the same, it's not even organized.  ^ Top

Information taken from: La Prensa

 BLUEFIELDS, R.A.A.S(REGIÓN AUTÓNOMA DEL ATLÁNTICO SUR)



On October 11th, the city of Bluefields, on the country's Caribbean Coast, had a good reason to party: Its 99th(2002) year as a city. Despite the rain, the "blufileños" enjoyed the special occasion.

They elected the "Queen of the 99th Anniversary" and danced to the rhythm of "Palo de Mayo" performed bye many of the local schools' gymnastic and musical bands as well as other activities. ^ Top

Information taken from: La Prensa
For additional information, surf to: My Bluefields Page

 JINOTEGA, JINOTEGA



The city of Jinotega celebrated this past October 15th, its 110th(2001) Anniversary. To celebrate this occasion, the city planned many events. One of those is a street fair at city's Central Park, a walk to the top of a 800-meter-high hill where there's a historic cross that has been sitting there since the 1700s, and they'll be placing the department's flag there. After that, there'll be a tour to the town of San Rafael del Norte where there's a historic cathedral of the same name, which was declared a National Monument, and has a lot of outstanding paintings. Besides that, visitors can enjoy the Apanás Lagoon, visit the Museum of Sandino and the other attractions in the department. ^ Top

Information taken from: La Prensa

 SAN JUAN DEL SUR, RIVAS



This past October 17th, 2002, it was San Juan del Sur's turn to celebrate because it was its 150th year since it was declared a city. The party in this port-city will last little more than a month. To inaugurate the month-long party, on October 14th, locals welcomed The Amsterdam Cruise, the first of 16 cruises scheduled to arrive to this port-city. On the 17th, the day the city celebrates its anniversary, it will be declared a Touristic City due to its popularity among national and international tourists. There will also be an exposition of paintings and photographs related to the city. Not to forget the parties and cultural events.

OVERVIEW: San Juan del Sur is located 130 kms south of Managua. The city's port was the first one in the country to receive international cruise ships, back in '99. Since that year, its popularity has been increasing each year. It's the place to be during the major holidays in the country: Easter, Independence Days and Christmas. It has a very rich past; it was the terminal port for those who traveled from New York to California(and viceversa) via San Juan River and the Cocibolca Lake, during the Gold Rush Period.  ^ Top

Information taken from: La Prensa & El Nuevo Diario
For additional information, surf to: Beaches - Rivas - www.SanJuandelSur.org.ni

 MADRIZ



On November 11th, 2002, it wasn't a city celebrating its anniversary; it was an entire department. For this special occasion, the 66th anniversary, there were many activities. There was a typical parade of the northern region; bull and horses parade, along with school marching bands and "ranchera"(Mexican music) music in the main streets of the head city of the department, Somoto. There was also a carnival in which there were performances by school marching and gymnastic bands, fireworks, mechanical rides, sports games and of course, typical food/drinks as well as presentations by the most famous national groups that made everybody dance until the mourning of the following day. ^ Top

Information taken from: La Prensa

 LEÓN, LEÓN



This past November 16th, the historic city of León celebrated its 478th(2002) anniversary since it was founded back in 1524 by the Spaniard Francisco Hernández de Córdoba. The city commemorated such a special day in many ways.

One of the events that took place in order to celebrate this day, was the coronation of "Señorita León". Another event was a streetfair in which many school marching bands participated, not to forget the "Gigantona" and "Enano Cabezón", which are characters originated in León. They were also sport competitions as well as cultural events, in addition to an exhibition of photographs of the city. ^ Top

Information taken from: La Prensa
For additional information, surf to: My León Page - wwww.LeonTuristico.com

 TIPITAPA, MANAGUA



On November 24th, it was Tipitapa's turn to celebrate its 247th(2002) anniversary of the county's foundation, and the 41st since it was elevated to the category of a city. To celebrate the occasion, there was a parade as well as other events around the city. ^ Top

Information taken from: La Prensa

 ESTELI, ESTELI



"El Diamante de Las Segovias"[The Dimond of the Segovias(Segovias is a region of the country composed by: Nueva Segovia, Estelí, Jinotega and Madriz)] celebrated this past December 8th, 2002, the 111th anniversary of the foundation of the department and head city of the same name. The special event was/will be celebrated with many activities such as cultural events, a parade, a month-long fair and other northern region typical sports. ^ Top

OVERVIEW: Estelí, sitting at more than 800 meters above sea level, is the northern region's most commercialy active city, mostly due to the coffee and tobacco industry. The department counts with a couple of very important and beautiful natural reserves as well as archeological sites. The city is located about 150 km north of Managua and has a population of more than 120,000.

Information taken from: La Prensa

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