Altagracia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Altagracia
Astagalpa
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Municipality
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Sculpture park next to the cathedral of Altagracia
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 Altagracia
Location in Nicaragua
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| Country |  Nicaragua |
| Department | Rivas Department |
| Area | |
| • Municipality | 81 sq mi (211 km2) |
| Population
(2005)
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| • Municipality | 19,955 |
| • Urban | 7,041 |
Altagracia (pronounced alta-GRAH-see-ah) is a town in Nicaragua. It is located in the Rivas Department.
Altagracia is the second biggest town on Ometepe Island. Its first name was Astagalpa. This means 'house of the herons' in the Nahuatl language. The town has a ferry port called Puerto de Gracia. Ferries from here go to Granada and San Carlos. These cities are near the Rio San Juan. Sometimes, the ferry trips are cancelled. This happens when the water levels change with the seasons.
History of Altagracia
Altagracia is home to an old cathedral. It was built in 1924. Next to the cathedral, there is a special sculpture park. This park has important ancient art. The art is made from basalt rock. These large figures show humans and their animal spirits. These spirits are often the eagle and jaguar.
You can also visit the Museum of Ometepe in Altagracia. This museum has many old items. It shows the history and culture of the area. It has both archaeological and ethnographic collections.
Traditions and Festivals
The town's special saint is San Diego de Alcalá. His festival, called Fiesta de San Diego, is a big event. It takes place every year from November 12 to 18.
On November 17, a traditional dance is performed. It is called baile del Zompopo. This dance mixes with older traditions. These traditions honor Xolotl. Xolotl was important to people in Nicaragua long ago. This was before the Spanish arrived. When the Franciscan missionaries came to Ometepe in 1613, this tradition was already happening. The Franciscans brought an image of San Diego de Alcalá. Over time, his figure took the place of Xolotl in the celebrations.
Gallery
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This is a view from Finca Magdalena in Altagracia. You can see the Concepción volcano in the background.
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This picture shows Playa Santo Domingo. The Maderas volcano is in the background.
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This is Ojo de Agua, a natural spring in Altagracia, on Ometepe Island.
See also
In Spanish: Altagracia (Nicaragua) para niños
