Nicaragua Warden Message

“La Purísma” Celebration – December 7, 2007

December 6, 2007

Many Nicaraguans will celebrate “La Purisima – Griteria” on December 7, 2007.  During this Catholic celebration, streets all over the country will be crowded starting at around 4:00 PM.  In Managua, the local authorities expect large concentrations of people at “La Plaza de La Revolucion,” and other areas such as Rotonda El Gueguense, Masaya Highway, Rotonda la Virgen and Rotonda Bello Horizonte, where street altars have been traditionally placed. Vehicle access will be restricted in these areas. Additionally, the traffic lights (Semáforos del Gonzalez) on North Highway located south of “La Plaza de La Revolucion” will be blocked from 5:00 PM to 12 midnight.

U.S. Citizens are strongly advised to avoid traveling at night due to the possibility of encountering drunk drivers and heavy traffic.  Please be advised that fireworks, and possibly firearms, will be discharged during the celebrations and that gang members are expected to attend some of the street celebrations. The Nicaraguan National Police has authorized only Police Officers, Nicaraguan Army and Private Security Guards properly identified to carry their weapons on December 7 and December 8, 2007. Private individuals are not authorized to carry personal weapons of any kind (firearms, switchblades and knives) on those days. Despite this regulation, firearms discharges might still occur.

We wish to remind American citizens that even celebrations intended to be peaceful can possibly escalate into violence.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to exercise caution, especially at night.

The U.S. Embassy in Managua is now located at Km 5 ½ C. Sur Managua, Nicaragua.  The U.S. Embassy in Managua can be reached 24/7 at 505-252-7100.  For emergencies (deaths, arrests, etc.) after hours, U.S. citizens can call this phone number and ask for the Embassy Duty Officer.

General information regarding consular service is available by calling (505) 252-7888.  Non-emergency services for American citizens are available Monday through Friday, 1:00 to 3:00 PM, except on Nicaraguan and U.S. holidays.

Additional contact information for the American Citizens Services unit is as follows:

Fax:             (505) 252-7304

Email:           ACS.Nicaragua@state.gov

Website:       http://managua.usembassy.gov

U.S. citizens are urged to register and update their contact information at the following website: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui.

Updated information on travel and security in Nicaragua may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada or, from outside the United States and Canada, 1-202-501-4444. U.S. citizens should consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet and Travel Warning for Nicaragua at http://travel.state.gov, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement at http://travel.state.gov/wwc1.html, and the travel publication "A Safe Trip Abroad" at http://travel.state.gov/asafetripabroad.html.