You may already know that Latin America is decorated with Afro-culture. Afro-Brazilians invented dynamic and eye-catching dance moves with the creation of Capoeira and Samba. Afro-Cubans gave the world flavorful music and dance by creating Rumba, Son, and Salsa. Let’s not forget the Afro-Colombians who rebelled to create the first free town in the Americas.
Throughout the history of Latin America, Afro-Latinos have been a crucial part of Black history. The Afro-descendants in Nicaragua are no different. Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, is known as the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes. Within its dynamic landscape, this country nestled between Honduras and Costa Rica has a rich history involving an overlooked culture. Here are some things you should know about Afro-Nicaraguans.
Demographics of Afro-Nicaraguans
There are approximately 500,000 Afro-Nicaraguans, who make up about 9% of the total population. The majority live in the Región Autónoma del Caribe Sur (RACS) and Región Autónoma Caribe Norte, which are twice the size of Maryland. Although large and filled with white beaches, geographically these regions have been isolated compared to the Central and Pacific regions of the country.
Because these regions have been separated from the main areas, some Nicaraguans view Afro-Nicaraguans as outsiders, and unfortunately, their traditions and culture are often perceived as “un-Nicaraguan.” Despite the negative opinions, Afro-Nicaraguans are embedded within the fabric of the nation.
History of Afro-Nicaraguans
One of the key components of Afro-Nicaraguan history is their activism for social change. A crucial point for Afro-Nicaraguans came after the Sandinista victory in 1979. The Sandinista victory refers to the successful overthrow of the Somoza dictatorship in Nicaragua by the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) on July 19, 1979.
Afro-Nicaraguan activists, intellectuals, and local leaders pushed for greater recognition of their culture and rights. June Gloria Beer, an Afro-Nicaraguan artist and activist, was known as a leader among many Afro-Nicaraguans. Her efforts were instrumental in pushing the Nicaraguan government to recognize regional languages, such as Creole and Indigenous languages, as co-official languages, helping to preserve cultural heritage. As an artist, she used her platform to raise awareness about the struggles faced by Afro-Nicaraguans, promoting social change and community empowerment. Beer’s legacy continues to inspire contemporary movements for racial and cultural equality in Nicaragua and beyond.
Even though progress was made, tensions between the Sandinista government and Afro-Indigenous groups simmered. Afro-Nicaraguans and Indigenous groups wanted their autonomy, traditions, and land rights to be respected. Yet, the ruling government forces wanted to expand into Afro-Nicaraguan areas. This ignited a resistance movement, and some groups, particularly among the Miskito people, aligned with the U.S.-backed Contra rebels, leading to violent clashes.
As a result, the Sandinistas forced thousands of Miskito people to relocate in 1981 and 1982, which led to international accusations of human rights violations. Victory was finally claimed in 1987 when the Sandinista government introduced autonomy statutes, granting the Caribbean coast greater self-governance. This was a victory for Afro-Nicaraguans, allowing them to have more control over their education, land rights, and cultural preservation.
Unfortunately economic disparities and social challenges persist in the region today. Yet Afro-Nicaraguans continue to make their impact on society.
Key Elements of Afro-Nicaraguan Culture
Many languages are exchanged within Afro-Nicaraguan culture. The the two main languages are Spanish, which is the official language of Nicaragua. There’s also Creole English, which is influenced by British English and African languages. Miskito and Garifuna are some of the Indigenous languages also spoken within the region.
Dance and Music
Like Black people around the world, music and dance are pillars of the culture. Blending African drumming, reggae, and calypso, popular dances like Palo de Mayo have emerged. This dance and music style consists of energetic movements and rhythmic footwork performed to traditional instruments such as the marimbas and drums. The dance often includes movements that mimic the gestures of planting and harvesting, reflecting the agricultural roots of the celebration. Dancers often wear vibrant costumes decorated with flowers to symbolize fertility and the beauty of nature.
Palo de Mayo is not just a performance but an inclusive event that involves the entire community, with people of all ages participating in the dances and celebrations. This fosters a sense of unity and collective identity among Afro-Nicaraguans.
Food
Coconut is a staple ingredient in Afro-Nicaraguan cuisine. Many popular dishes include a rich coconut-based seafood stew and pan de coco, a traditional coconut bread. Seafood, plantains, and cassava are often key elements in the region’s gastronomy.
Afro-Nicaraguans, like many across the African diaspora, have endured discrimination and hatred. Despite the circumstances they’ve faced, this vibrant group continues to celebrate and preserve their traditions. Through festivals, storytelling, music, and activism, they ensure that their rich cultural identity remains an integral part of Nicaragua’s diverse heritage.
