From the early hours of the day, residents accompanied the small statue of “Minguito” in a massive procession that wound through the city’s main streets to the center of Managua, amidst music, traditional dances, and displays of religious fervor.

  As happens every year, children, young people, adults, and the elderly participated in the pilgrimage; many were fulfilling vows made to the saint in gratitude for favors received, including miracles of healing and protection.

  Managua Mayor Reyna Rueda highlighted the coordinated efforts of state institutions to ensure the safe conduct of the festivities, which show the faith of the Nicaraguan people.

  Meanwhile, Managua Deputy Mayor Enrique Armas emphasized the extensive schedule of cultural, religious, and recreational activities planned for August, as well as the atmosphere of peace and tranquility that, he noted, characterizes the country.

  Managua’s patron saint festivities—which date back to the 19th century and will continue for the next ten days—center primarily on the procession of Saint Dominic of Guzman and the traditional parade featuring horses and floats.

  The traditional “descent” (*bajada*) and “ascent” (*subida*) of the saint take place on August 1 and August 10, respectively; these pilgrimages bring together thousands of devotees from various regions of the country to pay homage to the capital’s patron saint.

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