MIAMI — Hundreds of Nicaraguans gathered in Miami to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8. This exuberant event, known as 'gritería', featured flower-filled altars and singing, reflecting a deep-rooted faith and cultural identity amid an ongoing crackdown on religious freedoms in Nicaragua.
Participants expressed their devotion in creative ways, such as setting up altars in church parking lots and the backs of vehicles. Neri Flores, who traveled from Chicago, emphasized the importance of tradition and community, stating, 'We’re going to do it no matter what.' His family altar featured a painting of the Virgin Mary that his mother brought across the U.S.-Mexican border while pregnant in the 1980s.
The gathering at St. John Bosco Catholic Parish illustrated the struggles faced by Nicaraguans both locally and back home. Nicaragua's government has intensified restrictions on religious practices, as noted by clergy and rights advocates. The local community's resilience was palpable, with some altars displaying elaborate decorations while others remained simple yet heartfelt.
Rev. Yader Centeno, pastor of St. John Bosco, noted that the event serves as a gesture of trust and a message to those in Nicaragua that they are united in faith and hope. Families offered traditional foods, donations, and prayers for protection and freedom for their homeland during the celebrations.
Alongside the celebrations, there were poignant reminders of the dire situation in Nicaragua, where civic freedoms are increasingly limited. The Rev. Silvio Báez, auxiliary bishop of Managua, called upon attendees to resist oppression and voiced hope for a peaceful future in Nicaragua. Overall, the event showcased a blend of cultural pride, faith, and a strong desire for change in their home country.
