Posted by The place we now call home – San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua – just so happens to be one of the most popular places for Nicaraguan youth to party during Semana Santa.
Rooms (with only cushions on the floor for sleeping) rent for up to $75 USD a night. Vendors line the streets. There is no shortage of cheap beer, rum, knock off sunglasses or inflatable toys.
One of the local restaurants has set up a temporary Tip Top chicken franchise. Morning, noon and night we see Nicaraguan men passed out on the sidewalks and streets.
Girls in booty shorts and bikini tops represent Heineken, Victoria Frost, Flor de Cana, Tona, Claro and Movistar.
As we sit in the Heineken tent and sip 30 cord ($1.21 USD) green frosties a group of special forces police – clad in black -march together in a troop of six. Rifles are strapped to their backs and they carry hand guns in holsters on their hips.
Convoys of Nicaraguan families have set up camp on the beach. The bay has become a place to bathe and use the toilet. Avenida del Mar reeks of urine. Beach parties rage on until the wee hours of the morning. The techno beats can be heard all way to our house, which is more than three blocks away.
This is San Juan del Sur during Semana Santa!
hmmm, I think maybe I have changed my mind about living there……
Semana Santa is only one week of the year. It is a totally different town compared to what it normally is during this time.
Gordon
How long does it take for the beach to be clean again?
http://www.nicatourism.com
The city is doing a good job of cleaning up, but they are still working on it. Everything should be back to normal soon!
Gordon
Somehow when I read about the rooms with only cushions on the floor it reminded me of my oldest daughter’s description of their room on Spring Break in the Keys!
I see Gord has some new ink? You’re both looking well 🙂
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Amazing photos! When we’re missing Nica love spending time on your blog:) YOLO haha
Hi! I’m a 20 year old American girl who will be travelling to Nicaragua during the week of april 10-18th with my cousin who is around the same age as me. I’ve been told how amazing San Juan is, but am hesitant to visit during this time due to safety reasons. Do you think it is still safe for us, or do you advice we stay in a neighboring town?
Thanks!
Emily
Hi Emily,
Your trip is during Semana Santa. You will have a difficult time finding any accommodations during the holiday. The town swells to ten times it’s normal size and most of the people are coming from Managua. I don’t know if I would label San Juan del Sur as unsafe during this time, but it is the least safe week of the year.
Cheers,
Gordon