Independence Day...Nica Style

September 14th and 15th Nicaragua celebrates its independence from Spain. When they gained their independence in 1821 it was as part of a coutry that comprised of all of Central America. Central America would later break apart to the independent countries that exist today; Nicaragua gained its complete independence in 1838.

In Nicaragua they celebrate independence day with a big parade, similar to the United States. The parade consists of representatives from each primary and secondary school. Each school has a Banda de Guerra which is basically a marching band, but with only percussion. Each school somehow obtains drums (I think they borrow them from somewhere, but I´m not sure where) and then for the 3 months leading up to independence day they practice how to play the instruments. Also, each school has their own band uniform. Some are just variations on their school uniforms, and some are much more elaborate marching band uniforms. Because they have to pay a neighborhood lady to make their uniform, usually only the rich kids can play an instrument (but I guess thats not much different than the U.S.). Accompanied behind the band are the best students of the school (who don´t have to pay, so there is some justice). In front of the band are the dance group. Most of the schools also have some students in traditional dress that will carry the sign saying which school they are representing.

Today (14th) they did a parade around Corinto with each school all dressed up, dancing and marching and playing their percussion heavy songs. The dancer girls would dance scandalously in front of them. Even though I´ve never seen the movie, I couldn´t help but feel like I was on the set the movie Drumline. It was really fun because I know a lot of the kids that were marching so it was fun to see them all dressed up in uniform and playing an instrument. Plus, marching bands are just cool.

Tomorrow they are going to have a competition between the secondary schools for best band. Should be pretty great to watch.


Here is a picture of one schools dancing girls.

This is the public high school of Corinto, and also the biggest secondary school in Corinto.

Another one of the marching bands, with possibly the most extravagant uniforms. The two kids playing the xylophone things are my students. This also happens to be right in front of my house, with the ice cream shop in the background.

These are some of the girls in nicaraguan traditional dresses (but people only wear them for nostalgic occasions like this, you won´t see any random woman on the streets like this).

This is the group that especially reminded me of Drumline. The girls shook their stuff in 5 inch heel leather boots during a 2.5 hour long parade. Now thats pride for your country.