Faithful celebrate San Sebastian in Nicaragua

Despite the fact that the Nicaraguan government has banned patron saint festivities in other parts of the country, hundreds of pledgers, traditionalists and tourists filled the streets of Diriamba to witness the "descent" of the image of San Sebastian. Under the traditional sound of the whistle and the beat of the drums, the image of San Sebastian went through the streets of the city escorted by a parade of traditional dances.

Others dance to the rhythm of slow and fast melodies interpreted with whistle, drum and violin in the dance of El Güegüense, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The festivities in honor of San Sebastian conclude on January 29 with a Eucharist to bid farewell to the saints and bullfights.