The look and the timing of Masaya’s “Agüizotes” has caused many a tourist to associate the event with the North American Halloween (or All Hallows’ Eve), however, it’s not related at all.
Just ask most Nicaraguan’s and they may give you their opinion of the North American Halloween tradition! Although, as years go by, Halloween is becoming more and more popular).
The Agüizotes start with a candle vigil (vela) on the Thursday night and the next day, the last Friday of October is The Agüizotes (named after the bird which brings news of a death) is the night when the spirits of the dead characters from indigenous horror stories (many which go back to the Spanish conquest) come to life. The participants are dressed and disguised with grotesque masks and elaborate costumes representing characters from various myths and legends such as; Cadejo, Mocuana, Cegua, Duendes, Taconuda and La Carreta Náhuatl. Or this one…
The Headless Priest
There are numerous countries with a headless priest folklore legend and Nicaragua is no exception.
Here in Nicaragua the story is supposedly associated with the murder in of Fray (Friar) Antonio de Valdivieso in Old León. Depending on the version being told, Fray Valdivieso was either stabbed or was killed with a machete that severed his head. “The head rolled to the shores of Lake Xolotlán”.
Indigenous folklore has it that after the murder, people began reporting seeing a black mass that would disappear into the darkness of the night. “The figure of the headless priest, wearing a cassock, and a cord of bells tied around his waist from was seen walking through the streets of the city looking for his head”
Agüizotes
This legend and many others like it were originally designed to instill a little fear into the children and create better behavior.
Costumes consist of a variety of materials and traditionally would be cloth, corn husks, plant fibers, bones and the skulls of dead animals.
The Agüizotes of Masaya parade through the city making noise, shouting or playing music on traditional instruments such as marimbas, trumpets and drums. The hundreds of candles and lamps add to the eeriness while the musical bands and mariachis give it a carnival atmosphere and get the party going.
