Nicaraguans in Miami Celebrate Virgin Mary Amidst Political Crackdowns

Wed Dec 10 2025 01:45:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Amid ongoing crackdowns on religious freedom in Nicaragua, hundreds of Nicaraguans gathered in Miami to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception, with altars filled with flowers and lights showcasing their faith and solidarity.

Hundreds of Nicaraguans celebrated the Dec. 8 feast of the Immaculate Conception in Miami this year in a poignant expression of faith amid severe religious repression back home. Families set up colorful altars in parking lots and vehicles, singing and praying to the Virgin Mary for protection and freedom for their homeland. The event highlighted both the resilience of the Nicaraguan community in the U.S. and the dire situation facing believers in Nicaragua, where religious festivities have been severely restricted.

MIAMI - Hundreds of Nicaraguans gathered on the streets of Miami to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception, singing songs of praise to the Virgin Mary. This vibrant celebration, known as 'gritería,' is particularly significant this year as it coincides with ongoing political crackdowns on religious freedom in Nicaragua.

Participants adorned altars with flowers and lights, set up in church parking lots and vehicles, highlighting their determination to preserve their customs and communal bonds despite oppressive conditions back in Nicaragua.

“We’re going to do it no matter what,” said Neri Flores, who traveled from Chicago with his family to set up an altar, emphasizing the importance of tradition and family in their faith.

The altar depicted an image of the Immaculate Conception that has special significance for Flores' family, as his mother carried it across the U.S.-Mexican border while pregnant with him. This year, families gathered with multiple generations contributing to elaborate setups, including statues of the Virgin Mary.

Nicaragua’s Ongoing Crackdown on Religion

The tradition of celebrating the Immaculate Conception has been threatened by the Nicaraguan government’s repression of religious expression. Since the violent suppression of civic protests in 2018, the government has targeted clergy, outlawing many religious festivities and restricting freedoms for those who worship.

In the United States, the past administration sought to limit protections for migrants from Nicaragua, intensifying fears within the community. However, the celebration in Miami showcased a powerful collective gesture of resilience.

At St. John Bosco Catholic Parish, where many attendees are from Nicaragua, over a thousand people participated in the event, led by Rev. Yader Centeno, who stated it was a moment to strengthen their faith and a message of freedom to those in Nicaragua.

Crowds Gather Around Altars in Miami

In a festive display, altars varied from elaborate setups with showy decorations to simple shrines, each greeted with a traditional cry: “Who causes so much joy? Mary’s conception!” Visitors to these altars donated toys, food, and religious items, fostering community spirit and support.

Many families, like Claudia Fuertes, expressed their hope for Nicaragua’s freedom while paying homage to their cultural roots through color schemes and symbols echoing their homeland.

Praying for Peace in Nicaragua and the U.S.

Church services continued as leaders like Rev. Silvio Báez called on congregants to challenge those who misuse faith for oppression. His emotional message drew from his own experience of exile due to the Nicaraguan government’s hostility towards the church.

Despite the challenges, the resilience of Nicaraguans abroad remains strong as they pray for peace and freedom - for themselves and for those who remain in Nicaragua. The communal gathering was not just a celebration; it was a declaration of faith and a hope for brighter days ahead, both in the U.S. and back home.