Leon, Nicaragua
Population approx: 211,278
A New Haven Sister City since 1984
The Leon Sister City project started in the 1980s for the purpose of creating healthy ties between the people of the two communities while the US government was waging an illegal war with Nicaragua. Throughout the years, New Haven has sent resources such as clothes, medical supplies and bikes to Leon. There have also been many projects in Leon such as building schools and hospitals. Their most successful project is the Domestic Violence Prevention Program centered on combating domestic violence and providing education and support to local women.
What’s Our Connection?
Leon is the center of agricultural and industrial Trade in Nicaragua. They export rice, cattle, sugar Cane, peanuts, shoes, cigarettes and more. It is Nicaragua's second largest city.
What is Leon Known For?
Photo Courtesy of Alluringworld
Leon was founded in 1524 on the edge of Lake Managua. In 1610 a near by volcano erupted and the residents were forced to flee. They rebuilt the city in its current location, 20 miles west.
History
Places: Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary
One important landmark in Leon is the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary - the largest cathedral in Central America. Construction on the cathedral started in 1747 and finished in 1814.
Photo Courtesy of Hotelplazacolon
The most important tradition in Leon is the Griteria Chiquita, a celebration of penitence rather than happiness, that honors a promise from Bishop Monsenor to the Virgin Mary. Every year on August 14th, thousands of people come out on the streets to sing to the Virgin Mary in thanks for protection given to them from the Cerro Negro, a volcano that erupted at the time. This was the promise made by Bishop Monsenor during the eruption.