nThe festival of La Candelaria is celebrated every February 2 throughout Hispanic America. The celebration goes by many different names in the Roman Catholic Church. It is called the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and, as it is better known, of the Candelaria. We will try to show that so many denominations are not a whim, but that they all have a biblical explanation.nnFor example, the Purification of the Virgin has its story in Leviticus 12,6-7. Mary then, as a devout Jew, acted accordingly and did what she had to do. After 40 days of giving birth, she came to the priest to be declared pure. On the other hand, in Numbers 18,15 it is indicated that the firstborn must be presented before God, which is why this liturgical celebration is also known as the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.nnAlso in some places in Latin America, north of Ecuador, February 2 represents the planting period, where the ancient natives worshiped the goddess of the lakes and seas, asking for the blessing of the corn.nnHow is it celebrated in Nicaragua?nnThe most important celebrations in this country are in Granada, where the Virgin is the patron saint. In February, Central American Paris fills with processors and tourists to participate in the festivities. The sacred image processions through the beautiful streets of the city. The other celebration takes place in the country’s capital, Managua.
