MIAMI (AP) — Hundreds of Nicaraguans sang in praise of the Virgin Mary at flower-and-light-filled altars set up in church parking lots and back of vehicles on the streets of Miami to mark the Dec. 8 feast of the Immaculate Conception.
The exuberant celebration called “gritería” is especially poignant this year amidst the ongoing crackdowns on religion in Nicaragua and on immigrant communities in the U.S..
“We’re going to do it no matter what,” said Neri Flores, who traveled from Chicago to set up an altar with his parents for the vigil Sunday night. “It’s tradition, family, giving back to the community, keeping up the faith and positive vibes.”
The Flores family set up an altar with a painting of the Immaculate Conception, a cherished item carried by Flores' mother across the U.S.-Mexican border while pregnant in the early 1980s. Nearby, another family created a larger altar adorned with multiple Virgin Mary statues, illustrating the multi-generational commitment to this tradition.
Nicaragua’s ongoing crackdown on religion
While the feast day is celebrated worldwide, in Nicaragua, traditions around the feast have been suppressed by the government amid the increasing persecution of religious groups. Human rights advocates suggest the relentless actions against religious freedoms are among the worst in the world today.
Nicaragua's government led by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo has an uneasy relationship with the church, especially following the repression of protests in 2018. The Catholic Church, once a vital voice of compromise, has become a target for government accusations of promoting unrest.
Under strict surveillance, many religious practices have been curbed, leading to hundreds of clergy and devout individuals being imprisoned or exiled. In contrast, Miami's St. John Bosco Catholic Parish, where many Nicaraguans and Hondurans are undocumented, saw over a thousand attendees come together to honor their traditions.
The parish's pastor, Rev. Yader Centeno, emphasized the significance of the gathering, stating it was a moment for the community to bolster their faith and send a message of freedom to Nicaragua.
Crowds gather around altars in Miami
The altars displayed diverse creativity, from elaborate balloon installations to simple statues framed by palm fronds. As attendees approached, they proclaimed the traditional “grito,” exclaiming, “Who causes so much joy? Mary’s conception!” before partaking in hymns and donating food, toys, and religious items, showcasing their community spirit.
Scarlet Desbas expressed how vital it was to keep this cultural tradition alive outside of Nicaragua. Many participants shared their deep gratitude, hoping for divine protection for themselves and their families. Claudia Fuertes even crafted a beautiful balloon arch with Nicaragua's colors representing hope for freedom in their homeland.
Praying for peace in Nicaragua and the US
At St. Agatha Catholic Parish, the congregation heard from Rev. Silvio Báez, who urged them to resist oppression and promote justice for the vulnerable. He reiterated that the Virgin would not forget the Nicaraguan people, foreseeing a time of freedom.
As the community gathered around altars, emotions ran high. Oscar Carballo attempted to rally family members hesitant to attend due to fears of immigration enforcement, showcasing the emotional stakes involved in maintaining cultural and religious practices abroad.
“Here you feel like in the patio of your home,” Carballo remarked, showcasing the powerful sense of belonging and faith shared among the gathering, invoking a collective prayer for peace and stability for all families affected by ongoing turmoil.
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