The Sheets
In 1900, the current territory of the municipality of Las Sabanas was called Sabanetas, a name that was later changed to its current name.
In subsequent years (1901–1903), the population increased due to forced migrations of Honduran citizens fleeing the war in their country. By 1937, the territory of the municipality of Las Sabanas had separated from the department of Nueva Segovia to become part of the newly created department of Madriz. By Legislative Decree of August 18, 1942, the current urban settlement known as Las Sabanas was officially designated a town with the same name. The municipality of Las Sabanas occupies the westernmost part of the department of Madriz and is well-known for its altitude, pleasant climate, scenic beauty, crops, and diverse natural resources, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,735 meters above sea level, including notable peaks such as El Aguacatal at 1,735 meters above sea level and Loma Santa Ana at 1,664 meters above sea level.
Among the natural attractions of the municipality are the Serranías de Tepec Somoto-La Patasta Nature ReserveDeclared a National Protected Natural Area in 1991, the reserve is shared with the municipalities of San Lucas and Cusmapa, as well as with the municipalities of Pueblo Nuevo and Limay in the department of Estelí. The main economic activity is agriculture, with crops such as beans, sorghum, corn, and coffee. Raising livestock, including poultry, pigs, and cattle, is also an important sector of the municipality's economy.
How to reach?
To get there you must take a transport unit from the El Mayoreo Market towards the municipality of somotoThen, at the bus terminal in this city, you take a bus towards the municipality of Las Sabanas.
You can also travel to the municipality by private transport, taking the Pan-American Highway North, passing through the municipality of Sébaco, turning left towards Estelí and without entering the city continue along the highway passing through the municipalities of Condega, Yalagüina, Somoto, until you reach Las Sabanas.
The Municipality of Las Sabanas occupies the westernmost part of the department of Madriz and is well known for its pleasant climate, scenic beauty, crops and diversity of natural resources, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,735 meters above sea level, some of which stand out, such as El Aguacatal at 1,735 meters above sea level and Loma Santa Ana at 1,664 meters above sea level.
Among the natural attractions of the municipality we have
Tepe Somoto-La Patasta Mountain Range Nature Reserve,
Declared a Protected Area of National Interest in 1991, the reserve is shared with the neighboring municipalities of San Lucas and Cusmapa, as well as with the municipalities of Pueblo Nuevo and Limay in the department of Estelí. It is a valuable reserve due to its preserved flora and fauna, scenic beauty, lagoons, forests, and rivers, among other features. It is a cloud forest mountain area with some agricultural land, and is home to characteristic species of orchids, ferns, and high-altitude trees.
The Witch's Lagoon
This lagoon, of volcanic origin, covers an area of over 2 hectares. Coffee and strawberries are cultivated on its land, and fishing is done in its waters only for family consumption. It is a wetland located in the buffer zone of the Tepec Somoto La Pataste Natural Reserve, in the community of El Pegador, municipality of Las Sabanas, less than 2 kilometers from the town center. It boasts impressive natural beauty; a mirror of intense blue water where, according to guides, the lagoon holds stories bordering on the fantastical. But beyond the legends, the lagoon is nestled among high mountains, giving the feeling of being in a piece of Eden. It is one of the most enchanting and visited places in the department, ideal for recreational and family tourism. The climate is pleasant and conducive to relaxation and nature observation. Surrounded by coffee crops and oak forests, the main activities that can be done at this site include scenic hiking, horseback riding, observation of flora, orchids and mollusks and other types of wetland vegetation, bird watching, boat rides and canopy tours, in a welcoming environment and coexistence with the community.
The Apanaje River Waterfall and Petroglyphs
Located west of the town of La Sabana, there is an impressive waterfall with a drop of between 40 and 50 meters, culminating in a pool 2 meters deep, surrounded by gallery forests and oak trees. Near this site is the Matasano Cave, where petroglyphs and engravings from the pre-Columbian era have been found.
To get there, you have to leave the urban area of Las Sabanas towards the west, following a 3-kilometer path without pavement, passable only in summer.
Another important site is the El Edén waterfall and petroglyphs, which is located about 6 kilometers west of La Sabana, on the border with the municipality of Pueblo Nuevo. It is made up of 2 jumps, one of which has a 12-meter drop and is the largest, and the other of 17 meters, which is less powerful. Both are surrounded by mountains and coffee plantations that allow you to enjoy a pleasant climate and the high-altitude landscape. Also here are petroglyphs that show the sacred character that these formations had for the natives.
The Sparrow Petroglyphs
Within the Natural Reserve, El Salto La Sierra and the archaeological site Cueva El Gigante.
The municipality contains areas of cloud forests, pine forests, oak forests, gallery forests and water infiltration along riverbanks, and preserved agroforestry systems, suitable for the practice of Rural and Community Tourism.
Culture
Its friendly, industrious, simple and hospitable people are rooted in the customs and knowledge of rural culture. Its traditional peasant music is interpreted with guitar, mandolins, guitarrones and accordions. The characteristic dances are the polkas, mazurcas and jamaquellos.
- Artistic expressions and manifestations
The Dance of the PalmThis dance is associated with death rituals, specifically the death of children. It is performed in indigenous communities when a newborn dies.
Other representative dances of the region are the polkas, the mazurcas, the northern zapateado and waltz. Young people organize and present these dances at cultural events in the municipality.
Traditional trades
Saddlery: They make leather goods such as shoes, handbags, belts, wallets, and saddlebags, among other things. This workshop is located in the Hugo Chávez neighborhood.
Carpentry: They manufacture household products such as tables, beds, chairs, wardrobes, doors, and windows, among others. The workshop is located in the town center.
Floriculture Crops
Located in the community of El Castillito, this project, run by women from the community, provides them with employment while contributing to environmental conservation and protection. Visitors can tour the rose gardens and interact with the local residents.
- Strawberry Cultivationorganic.
A group of producers from the El Castillito community have been cultivating strawberries for over ten years. Visitors can buy strawberries, learn about the experience of growing this non-traditional Nicaraguan product, and interact with the community.
Architecture
Parish Church of San Isidro Labrador
This building, with its historical value, is one of the most important sites in the municipality. Its construction is modern. A cross stands out on the main facade, an architectural element that gives it a unique touch and local identity. The site is designated as a historical landmark, and a monument stands there in honor of the patron saint of the town of Las Sabanas.
Las Sabanas Lookout Park
Located in the heart of the town, built on the highest point within the town limits, it offers panoramic views of the municipality and other areas of the Madriz department. It's an ideal spot to enjoy and admire the local scenery.
Municipal Park and Municipal Market
Located opposite the Municipal Baseball Stadium, we have the Municipal market, a place where you can do your shopping for essential products and have the opportunity to interact with the merchants and also enjoy the infrastructure installed in the Municipal park, equipped with children's play areas and sports facilities for family recreation.
Sports Infrastructure
Municipal sports
It's the hub for sports activities, where the town's youth participate. You can play volleyball, futsal, and basketball, and social and cultural events are also held there for family entertainment.
Municipal Baseball Stadium
If your passion is playing Nicaragua's national sport, you can visit the baseball field at the entrance to the town center, where teams from the local leagues compete.
municipal library
This center has a bibliography on different topics, and also has internet service.
Religious Festivals
Patron Saint Festivities in Honor of Saint Isidore the Farmer
The municipality also celebrates its patron saint festivities in honor of San isidro labrador The San Isidro festival, held on May 15th, is a municipal religious event. The faithful travel in procession, accompanied by traditional music and fireworks. The saint's image is adorned with natural elements alluding to agriculture, as he is the patron saint of farmers. A parade of donkeys is also a highlight, and the entire route is lined with floats prepared by each community or neighborhood. The festivities last three days, culminating on the main day, May 15th.
Celebration of the Lord of Esquipulas or Black Christ
The traditional and patron saint festivities of the municipality of Las Sabanas, department of Madriz, begin on January 15 with the celebration of the Lord of Esquipulas or Black Christ, representing one of the two most colorful religious expressions. This takes place in the communities of El Cipian and its headquarters is the community of Quebrada Honda. Here, devotees travel from different parts of the department of Madriz and from other municipalities to fulfill their promises for favors received. During the procession, the image is carried on shoulders accompanied by philharmonic music.
The population celebrates La Purísima with great color on December 7, as well as the Easter and Christmas festivities.
Religious devotion during Holy Week
During Holy Week, the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are commemorated. In this municipality, the processions, Stations of the Cross, Masses, altars, sawdust carpets, sacred music, and the popular theater known as La Judea are highlights, as well as its unique seasonal cuisine. The Stations of the Cross procession is very popular with devout faithful and penitents who perform penance. The route covers 4 km, starting in the community of El Cipian and ending at the church in the town center. In the procession, the image of Our Lady of Sorrows is carried only by women. A unique aspect of the event is that on this day, the penitents reach their final destination at midday under the scorching sun, making the pilgrimage the most complete act of penance of the entire year.
Current Folkloric Expressions
The pilgrimages of the devotees to Saint Isidore the Farmer. A vigil held the night before, where prayers are offered to the patron saint of farmers, accompanied by music from philharmonic bands (chicheros).
Expressions in transformation
Another folkloric expression is the Palm Dance, known in other communities of indigenous descent as Angel Water. This dance is dying out due to its scarce performance. It is a dance that involves a ritual of death and life, dedicated to newborn children who have not been baptized. At the wake, the parents and family dance it to the rhythm of a mazurka.
- Religious beliefs and oral tradition (Legends of the peoples)
Its history is filled with many legends and myths that have been passed down from generation to generation among its inhabitants. Among the most prominent legends are: The Story of the Screamer The story of a man who would go out every Friday with a bloodcurdling scream that could be heard throughout the municipality. The other scream came from the Lío ravine (Oruce Miramar); it is said that those who saw it described a headless man riding a donkey, and when the man spurred the animal, it would scream.
Gastronomy
The traditional cuisine of the municipality is based on dairy products such as curd, cheese, and cream, accompanied by cooked beans, tortillas, and coffee, as well as the bean soup and curd.
The corn and their derivatives are the main supply for the inhabitants of Las Sabanas, including tortillas, tamales, stews, Shortbread, doughnuts, güirilas, atole and other corn derivatives. Other dishes tradicionales nacatamales, which are made during occasional activities, are made in this way. old Indian, the Montuca, tamal pisque, tamal dulce and the güirila. Favorite breads is Shortbread (soft and toasted corn), the doggie, the doughnuts and the semitas. The traditional candy shop are fritters, cusnaca jocote, cooked jocote, ayote in myland syrups during Holy Week, among others and Traditional drinks They are corn atole, tistpozol, chingue, horchata, warm pinol, pinol cooked with milk and the aguardiente of cususa.
