La Purisima

When I arrived at the street corner today I found about 15 kids waiting for me. I always struggle with choosing which kids can come to lunch since it’s so hard to tell them ‘no.’ Unfortunately, it’s necessary since neither my bank account not Pollo Campero would appreciate such a large group.

10 kids and I headed off to PC to meet my friend Brad, who joined us today. We had a great time. Brad was so wonderful with the kids. I enjoyed watching him interact with them and I know the kids appreciated having someone who can actually speak Spanish there. About halfway through our usual time at PC Carlos, one of the older boys, told me that he had to leave and resume working. Watching him walk away, box of leftover chicken in hand, was so sad. It’s tragic to watch these kids be forced to live adult lives – extremely difficult ones at that – at such young ages.

All during lunch the kids excitedly told me about “La Purisima.” I didn’t understand any of their descriptions but thankfully Brad filled me in. La Purisima is a Catholic holiday that is very important in Nicaragua. I read online just now that it is only celebrated here, although I am not sure if that is true. It celebrates the Immaculate Conception. Traditional Purisima festivities include going from house to house singing Christmas Carols and praying to the Virgin Mary. Hosts are expected to offer their guests little bags of treats after the singing. I also read online that many fireworks are set off during this holiday, a claim which I can attest to, having heard them throughout the day, including at an almost constant pace throughout the 10 minutes I’ve been writing so far.

Although the real holiday (I think) is tomorrow, the kids informed us that there was a celebration at a governmental building near their street corner today. Nicaraguans LOVE parties and traditions so I’m not surprised that this holiday seems to be an extended one. The kids led Brad and me to the office building where we were handed tickets for the 3pm party. We went back to where their mothers sell sunglasses and towels and hung out, since it was only about 2:15. The mothers bought oranges, from a man pushing a grocery cart full of them up the street, for all of the kids and Brad and me. They were delicious and quite a nice gift.

Around 2:45 we walked back to the office building to find a long line already forming. I was surprised, since most people here are on “Nica time,” meaning they show up at least 30 minutes late for everything. I didn’t know what was about to happen, but the kids were certainly quite excited. Throughout our 20 minutes or so in line we were entertained by very loud fireworks which exploded right above us. It was…noisy.

Once inside the gates we were told to line up according to age. Upon reaching the front of the line the kids received a bag full of candy, fruit, juice, and a plastic ball. My line – the adults – got a plastic bowl containing an orange, a banana, chips, and two pieces of candy. Everyone received a stick, about a foot in length and two inches in diameter. We all walked back to the street corner, all the while I was wondering what the heck I am supposed to do with my stick.

I became even more confused when the kids starting gnawing at the ends of their sticks. “This is a crazy country,” I thought.

It turns out that the sticks are actually pieces of sugar cane which, when chewed correctly, give off a pleasant taste. I took some funny pictures of everyone sitting on the curb chewing on sticks.

After our snacks we all played soccer with one of the new plastic balls for about an hour. Playing on a patch of grass next to the road, littered with trash, broken bottles, and rocks, made me appreciate the luscious soccer fields I played on as a kid. The kids are good players, especially considering the conditions and improper footwear. Finally, Brad and I left as the sun was about to set, ending a wonderful day with the kids.

I enjoyed spending more time with the kids in their element. It was extremely difficult to watch them work while we waited for the Purisima, but I gained a better appreciation for what their lives look like when I am not around.