Nicaraguans Celebrate the Virgin Mary in Miami Amid Religious Crackdowns

Tue Dec 09 2025 16:12:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Hundreds of Nicaraguan expatriates honor the Virgin Mary in Miami during a traditional celebration, reflecting both cultural heritage and the struggles faced back home.

In celebration of the Virgin Mary on the Dec. 8 feast of the Immaculate Conception, hundreds of Nicaraguans in Miami participated in vibrant altars filled with flowers and lights. This year's event is especially significant due to ongoing religious crackdowns in Nicaragua. Families traveled from afar to uphold the tradition of 'gritería', sharing faith and community support while advocating for freedom for their homeland. Amid expressions of hope for peace, priests call for support against oppressive regimes and the challenges faced by immigrants.

MIAMI — Hundreds of Nicaraguans sang in praise of the Virgin Mary at flower-and-light-filled altars set up in church parking lots and vehicles to mark the Dec. 8 feast of the Immaculate Conception.

The exuberant celebration called “gritería” took on special meaning this year due to the ongoing crackdowns on religious practices in Nicaragua and challenges faced by immigrant communities in the United States.

“We’re going to do it no matter what,” said Neri Flores, who traveled from Chicago with his parents to prepare an altar for the vigil. “It’s tradition, family, giving back to the community, keeping the faith alive.”

In a parked rental SUV, the family displayed a painting of the Immaculate Conception, which had been carried by Flores’ mother from Nicaragua when she was pregnant with him in the early 1980s.

Nicaragua’s Ongoing Crackdown on Religion

This annual celebration, rooted in a mid-19th century Vatican proclamation, has been heavily influenced by Nicaragua's political climate, where the government has repressed freedoms and attacked Catholic clergy. Hundreds of Christian leaders have been imprisoned or exiled, leading to the church becoming a voice for those against state violence.

In a poignant atmosphere at Miami's St. John Bosco Catholic Parish, which serves a community primarily from Nicaragua and Honduras, over a thousand attendees lined up to pray and celebrate freedom. “Today’s event is all about trust,” said the Rev. Yader Centeno, pastor. “For our people here, it’s a moment to strengthen their faith.”

Crowds Gather at Altars

Families erected altars decorated with colorful lights and traditional offerings, singing joyful hymns as they expressed communal support. Many planned to serve food and donations for over 500 people, showcasing their commitment to both faith and community.

Praise and communal resilience echoed through Miami, with many seeing this celebration as a promise to the Virgin for protection and hope for their homeland. “I have faith that Nicaragua will one day be free,” said Claudia Fuertes as she prepared an altar framed by traditional colors.

Prayers for Peace

At St. Agatha Catholic Parish, where many gathered for Mass, the Rev. Silvio Báez urged attendees to resist oppression in faith. With increasing attention on the plight of Nicaraguans, clergy highlighted the need for U.S. policies to support those escaping persecution further.

The spirit of hope and unity shone through as participants shared a collective longing for peace both in Nicaragua and the U.S., underscoring their cultural heritage while fostering a strong community that transcends borders.