Annually on the 19th, somewhere around half-a-million people swarm into the main plaza in Managua, coming from all over the country (population 6.6 million). Bus cooperatives stop their normal routes to transport folk as charter vehicles, and everything that rolls is used. The leadership of the nation and visiting international heads of state, as well as hundreds of significant supporters are seated on an immense platform, with the public merely yards away, singing, clapping, and having a wonderful time. This has been a 40-year tradition. Our international volunteers have witnessed this first-hand.
But this year... the 41st Anniversary... everything is different. Contrary to what you may have been hearing on international news media, COVID-19 is respected as a life-threatening reality here in Nicaragua. Masks, hand-washing, and social distancing are considered important, recognized not only by MINSA (the national health system), and by the public at large, but also by those with political power. So what has the administration chosen to do about this special day when the norm has been public acclaim of its achievements and progress? It has chosen the high road of protecting health and safety for the Nicaraguan people. There will be NO enormous official gathering in the Plaza. Instead, the widely touted slogan is "Este año cada casa es una Plaza" (This year, every house is a Plaza). Beginning this week, a whole series of concerts and special events are being televised*, so that all over the country, people who wish to do so can safely celebrate.
Amazing! Wow!
-Sarah
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*This list of events was published by the Nicaraguan Embassy:
July 16 - live concert on youtube
July 18 - live concert from the Ruben Dario National Theater... "Songs of the Revolution" broadcast by Channels 4 and 6
July 19 - various activities broadcast on Channels 4 and 6
July 15 - 19 Film Festival: http://www.cinemateca.gob.ni/category/peliculas
