A Patriotic week

This past week saw the passage of 2 days of parades and fiestas known as the fiestas patrias.  The first, on Sept 14th, commemorates the defeat of William Walker, the self-proclaimed president of Nicaragua during the 1850s.  The day is marked by a parade through nearly every city in Nicaragua where marching bands from all the schools - from primary to high school- take to the streets to march in the boiling sun.  In El Sauce this parade ended at the local stadium where the high schoolers proceeded to wow the entire town with song and dance numbers that lasted anywhere from 15-20minutes and were of varying quality.  Although the last 3 groups - those of the largest high schools were pretty impressive!

Everyone gets involved.

Everyone can play the drums.  Most important to the success of these 5 and 6 year olds is the constant vigilance of their parents!

Some of the guys really get into the drums.

Bright, bright colors.  Turns out the colors that each school years are completely arbitrary.

Some friends - all dolled up.

The rain spared us, but took a toll near-by.

An excellent show.  And probably all of El Sauce in the stands.

The next day, the 15th, is celebrated as independence day for all of Latin America.  It is a holiday in Nicaragua with more parades in select cities although I have no idea how these cities are selected.  I decided to go with my 2 peace corps friends to meet another of their peace corps compatriots and to experience another day of parades.  And did it turn out to be an adventure.  We were going to go with buses from one of the schools that they both teach at, that had a band going.  The night before we had tried to make firm plans on when and where they were meeting, but noone seemed to know.  The morning of the 15th I received a text at 530 saying meet at 715 at the alcaldia or mayors office.  By 7, I had received 3 more texts with different locations and times.  By the time we got on a bus - standing room only - at 830 we had walked back and forth thru town 3 times trying to find the buses - that ended up leaving from the school - go figure.  Then, after a bumpy 1.5 hours in a packed bus we arrived in Villa Nueva in time to experience a real carnival - complete with a little ferris wheel.  We met the other peace corps volunteer, watched some parades and then by 2 everything was done.  But we werent actually going to go back until 4 or 5.  So what did all the students and principal do- they started drinking - this is Nicaragua and there wasnt much else to do.  The students then almost got into a street fight with students from Villa Nueva and then everyone jammed into the buses to run away.  But after 20 minutes someone called to say that the principal wasn't on either bus - turns out he had missed  the buses while enjoying a few brews with friends.  So we turned around, but then turned around again when he called to say he had gotten a ride.  Many of the students were riding on the roof - a very common thing here - but when it started to rain we had to stop to let them back in.  We also stopped for snacks - and to let the engine rest on a particulary steep hill.  All in all, the trip back to almost 3 hours!  But we made it - and I'll say it was well worth it.

Peace Corps volunteers on a crowded bus.

Nice developed roads.  Sandinistas and Nicas representin'

Gimme some shade!

Fry that delicious Nica food!

Horses play a major role in all town wide fiestas/activities.

El Sauce representin' in Villa Nueva.

Almost a street fight.  The kids on te bus on throwing limes at the kids down the street.

Not our bus, but going the same way.  Even if you travel up top you still have to pay-but if you can hold on I am sure it is more comfortable than the cramped interior!