Nicaraguan Folk Dancers

[silvex]

These were taken as part of a Nicaraguan religious tradition in Miami, since the sandinista's comunist revolution. I was in Miami about two weekends ago and I was at this ancient ritual. All hand held with the Canon 100mm macro lens. Here is an excerpt from this URL about this dance. It was done under blazing sun and humidity in Miami outdoors working with a lot of people around me. C/C is always welcome.

http://www.historical-museum.org/folklife/folknica.htm

"...
The Toro Huaco is the only large-group traditional Nicaraguan dance performed in Miami. It employs the ancient indigenous music of flute and drum. While the slow, repetitive, ritualized steps of the dance make it somewhat monotonous, the elaborate masks, peacock plumed hats, and costumes provide a feast for the eyes. ..."

[tumana]

Got any more of the event?

[Curtis N]

Very nice.
Can we see the rest of the costumes?

[silvex]

here is some more...the lady with the cow costume dances around trying to charge the dancers. This dance was done to implore protection from the Saint San Sebastian. Indians recurred to witchcraft and pacts with the devil for protection. Until this Saint appeared near Diriamba. The costumes are not complete, since indians did not wear much. The hats, boots and capes are some how accurate given the circunstances. It has been some 30 years since I saw this dance -- not with real indian of course -- in my native San Marcos Nicaragua. I have been living in the USA since 1979.

This is a spanish link to the town were the Indian Chief Diriangen lived. They city is called Diriamba. It has more photos of this ritual.

http://www.diriamba.info/El%20Toro%20Huaco.htm

http://www.diriamba.info/El_Baile_del_TORO_GUACA.htm



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[tumana]

Wow. That's really interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[silvex]

Wow. That's really interesting. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the comments.