Masaya - Attractions

Attractions

Masaya is known as "The Cradle of Nicaraguan Folklore" and is the very heart of Nicaraguan handicrafts. The main market in Masaya is located next to the central bus station. The market is divided into sections, with each section serving a different need. Aside from unique Nicaraguan products such as hand woven hammocks, embroidered blouses, wood carvings, and hemp weaving the market is very diverse. An entire section of the market is dedicated to selling electronic devices and clothing, while another area is reserved for raw meat. Everything is available in the market from hardware and beauty supplies to produce from the surrounding area.

The Mercardo de Artesanias (Craft Market) is located inside what used to be the "mercado viejo" (old market), a 1900s structure that is located near the center of the city and a couple of blocks away from the general population market. This market has been revitalized and set as a tourist spot, where crafts from Masaya and other areas of Nicaragua can be found. In addition, every Thursday night there is a Noche de Verbena or Night of Revelry, where folkloric dances are presented.

Masaya is noted for the annual fall fiesta of San Jerónimo, which is rooted in the Roman Catholic faith of the people who celebrate their patron saint, San Jerónimo. Although many people, including some Nicaraguans, may consider this event a cultural event without participating in the religious content, the vast majority are rendering their devotion to their saint when they participate in the folkloric dances and other street processions, such as the carnivalesque "Torovenado" celebrations, which often have groups and individuals who perform satires of local and national political figures. This celebration is famous within the country to the extensiveness (~ 3 months) and richness of folkloric elements.

The historical city center has open plazas and two large 16th Century baroque architecture churches the Assumption's Parish Church, and St Gerome's Church. But there are other colonial gems like St John's, St John Bosco's, and St Michael's.