Masaya Agüizotes. Halloween Style Tradition
The Agüizotes Festival: Tradition in the Style of Halloween.
The Agüizotes Festival is a unique and enigmatic celebration held in Masaya, Nicaragua, which has captivated locals and visitors for generations. This event, which combines elements of indigenous tradition, Catholicism, and popular creativity, is a fascinating showcase of Nicaragua's cultural richness.
The word "Agüizote" or "Ahuizote" comes from the Nahuatl "Ahuitzotl": "A (atl)" prefix for "water," "Ahuit" for "spine," and "zotl" for "dog," which translates to "spiny water dog" or "otter."
For the people of Masaya, it means "fright near water, river, or lagoon." Additionally, it is the name for the husk or cob covering of corn known as "tusa."
The popular acceptance of Agüizote is as a myth, understood as legend and terror, with apparitions coming to life through a variety of costumes representing characters from legends and Nicaraguan folklore mythology.
Just as Halloween is celebrated in October, the Masaya Agüizotes Festival takes place on the last Friday of this month, coinciding with the festivities of the Virgin of the Assumption, the patron saint of Masaya. This festival is based on ancestral beliefs and myths such as "La Mocuana," "El Padre sin Cabeza," and "El Cadejo." It is said that the Agüizotes are malevolent spirits that roam the streets during this celebration, and people dress up and perform rituals to ward them off.
As night falls, typically between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m., the Agüizotes emerge to the rhythm of chicheros (traditional musicians) and humorous melodies, wandering through all corners of Masaya. They make horrifying gestures with the purpose of frightening children, and each scare results in contagious laughter among the Agüizotes.
Similar to Halloween, participants dress in eerie outfits, using grotesque masks, spooky costumes, and carrying strange objects. The Agüizotes roam the streets of Masaya, scaring those who watch them, but also creating an atmosphere of mystery and fun. In this new millennium, due to globalization, the costumes are becoming more similar to those in the celebration of Halloween in the United States, influenced by the most famous horror movies from Hollywood.
Dances and Scares in the Night
The dark urban scene is only illuminated by countless candles and handmade oil lamps carried by those who wander the streets amidst dances and jubilation. The dance is performed with rhythmic movements related to the character and is accompanied by festive and carnival music played by traditional musicians.
Often, there is some confusion between the Agüizotes and the torovenado: the former are mischievous spirits who scare people through humorous gestures, while the torovenado consists of caricaturing famous country or city characters.
Shops and Workshops
Another important element of the Agüizotes Festival is music and dance. Folk dance groups and traditional music bands with "chicheros" (wind philharmonic bands) are an essential part of the celebration. Drums and maracas fill the air with energetic rhythms as the Agüizotes dance around the bonfires.
Food stalls and craft shops are also an integral part of this festival. Visitors can taste typical Nicaraguan dishes and buy local crafts, adding a gastronomic and cultural dimension to the celebration. There are workshops and specialized stores for the creation of terrifying costumes and masks tailored to the customer's preference.
Despite the terrifying appearance of the Agüizotes and the stories of malevolent spirits, the Agüizotes Festival is actually a playful and festive experience. Similar to Halloween, children and adults enjoy this celebration and come together in a spirit of fun and creativity.
The Agüizotes Festival is a reflection of Nicaragua's rich cultural heritage, where ancestral traditions, religion, and popular imagination intertwine in a unique way. For those who have the opportunity to witness this celebration, it is an unforgettable experience that offers a profound insight into Nicaraguan identity and spirituality.
October 6th, 2023