Very true is that the religious fervor emerges in Nicaragua for Easter, but do not interprete this to mean that the entire population spend their time raising prayers and participating in traditional processions. In fact, for most Nicaraguans these dates have a more mundane meaning, less spiritual, it is a time of summer vacation, during which people seek to rest, relax, have fun and "bacanalear" (to celebrate in style big time drinking and eating); that is why Easter is also named the "Semana Zangana" (Naughty Week) by many in Nicaragua.
For the general population, a traditional part of Easter is visiting different resorts in all parts of the country. The inhabitants of cities as in rural areas go to the sea or the beaches during one or more days, Lake Nicaragua, lagoons, or different rivers. It is understandable, considering the tropical summer and extreme heat this time of year.
Usually, especially in the region of the Pacific coast, cities are seen quite empty during the last days of Holy Week. However, generally unpopulated coastal towns are invaded by thousands of vacationers.
The small town of San Juan del Sur is one of the favorite places for Nicaraguan youth to "bacanalear" at Easter. Thousands of visitors from across the country come from the early days.
The hotels are crammed with guests and locals find a good opportunity to get money renting out rooms in their homes, or the whole house.The biggest parties are held on Wednesday.
Along the coast and in other parts of the town, bars and restaurants are filled with visitors and are installed on the beach clubs and scenarios where national and international artists perform. At night (and in the day), there is waste of beer, rum and Latin party. On the day, the beach is host of contests and sports competitions.
Although the bacanal is on a smaller scale, well-visited beaches are also Poneloya Jiquilillo and Miramar.
