MIAMI (AP) — Hundreds of Nicaraguans sang in praise of the Virgin Mary at flower-and-light-filled altars set up in church parking lots as well as in the 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 during the ongoing crackdowns on religion in Nicaragua as well as on immigrant communities in the United States.
“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.”
In the back of a large rental SUV parked near a Catholic church, the family put a painting of the Immaculate Conception at the center of their altar. Flores’ mother carried the painting across the U.S.-Mexican border when she was pregnant with him in the early 1980s.
Next to them, another family set up a larger altar with half a dozen statues of the Virgin Mary — and had four generations helping out.
“All the blessings that we have are thanks to her,” said Michael Garcia, who was born in Miami but whose grandmother brought one of the statues when she fled Nicaragua. “For the Virgin, there is no impossible.”
A mid-19th-century Vatican proclamation of the dogma that Mary was conceived free from original sin gave new popularity to the feast day worldwide. In Nicaragua, families create home altars and visit others, singing from house to house.
However, those celebrations are now hindered by the Nicaraguan government’s intensified persecution of religion, with human rights advocates deeming it one of the most severe in the world.
Back in the United States, the Trump administration has sought to end legal protections for around 430,000 migrants from Nicaragua, stemming from an ongoing crackdown on migrants that has instilled fear in communities.
At Miami's St. John Bosco Catholic Parish — where most families are from Nicaragua and Honduras — over a thousand people lined up to sing and pray at the altars. “Today’s event is all about a gesture of trust,” said Rev. Yader Centeno, the pastor. “For the people who are here, it’s a moment to strengthen their faith.”
The altars featured elaborate decorations, and as visitors reached each, they erupted in the traditional “grito” or cry: “Who causes so much joy? Mary’s conception!” while singing traditional hymns.
For many, setting up altars was a promise to the Virgin, showing gratitude and asking for protection for families in both the United States and Nicaragua.
“I have faith that Nicaragua one day will be free,” said Claudia Fuertes, who framed her altar in traditional colors representing both the feast day and Nicaragua’s flag.
The celebration saw participants calling for an end to oppression and hopeful messages for peace in their homeland, symbolizing resilience and faith amid adversity.
