Arts & Entertainment

Nicaragua’s Toro Huaco dance fuses indigenous, Spanish cultures

Diriamba, Nicaragua, Jan 19 (EFE).- People poured into the streets of this city south of Managua for Wednesday’s kickoff of the Festival of San Sebastian, Diriamba’s patron saint, featuring traditional dances such as the Toro Huaco.

The performances by people in colorful costumes and masks of archetypes from colonial-era Nicaragua are a big part of why the two-week event is a major attraction for tourists.

And dancers wear elaborate hats decorated with turkey feathers.

Providing the music is a lone instrumentalist who plays a drum and a wooden whistle while leading the procession dressed as a bull.

Sharing the spotlight with the Toro Huaco is El Güegüense, a satirical music and dance piece that has been recognized by the United Nations as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of humanity.

The tradition of festivities in Diriamba and the nearby cities of Jinotepe and San Marcos to commemorate St. Sebastian extends back more than 300 years, according to organizers. EFE rlr/dr

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