In August, fans of Mengito – as they call him here – venerate his character in various ways, while some dance to the rhythm of kumarsas, and others pray or push their vows as they walk on their knees.
As usual, on the first day of the eighth month of the year, the first procession known as “The Descent of the Saint” is organized, and on the tenth of the month, the second, which is known as “The Ascension of the Saint.”
Both arguments are full of color: believers carry copies of the statue of Mengito along the main avenues of the capital.
Hundreds of Nicaraguans describe the old and young image of a Catholic saint as a miracle, which is why vows are passed down from generation to generation with the goal of keeping the traditions that flood the streets of Managua alive.
“I came here to keep my promise to Santo Domingo, my mother fell ill in the hospital and was hardly with us, I asked her to take her back to a healthy home and she fulfilled me and now I keep it, I have been to Urbi,” said Alfredo Aguirre, of the capital, to Orbe.
Promise payment is usually repeated each year and varies for each family. Hence, some people wear traditional clothes and folk costumes.
Others, called Negritos, are smeared with oil and powdered until they are dark in color. Also known as little devils, they use substances that give their bodies a red hue.
Also, as part of their promises, many people prefer to distribute traditional and commercial drinks or snacks to the public.
A typical figure of Augustus’ activities in the Central American country is Cacique Mayor, who year after year wears an Indian costume and dances alongside the Mengito.
Celebrations of the patron saint in the capital of Nicaragua currently take place in two main venues: the procession of the saint and the equestrian procession and the float.
(taken from orb)
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