Villa Sandino
Villa Sandino is one of the most picturesque and productive municipalities in Chontales. It is located in the “gateway to the Nicaraguan Caribbean”It is located in a humid tropical zone.
Its geography is largely flat, with scattered hills considered the last remnants of the Chontales mountain range. The urban population is located along the route leading to the Caribbean.
Villa Sandino is primarily a cattle-ranching municipality, although in recent years there has been a boom in coffee plantations. Dairy production supplies large warehouses that distribute their products to the Central American market.
The production of staple grains, especially corn and beans, is of great importance to farming families. Trade in these products stimulates the local economy by supplying goods primarily demanded in rural areas.
The extensive course of the Mico River means that a large part of the municipal geography is linked to this water resource, whose flow is fed by the Muhan, La Tigra, El Chilamate, Kamusaska rivers and other abundant water sources.
The backwaters of El Zapote, Sotacaballo and Paso Hondo are a delight for vacationers.
Arrancabarba and La Gateada hill are its main peaks. The imposing El Curco hill serves as a natural boundary marker with Acoyapa. Nearby is the impressive El Cacao River waterfall, considered by many to be the tallest in Chontales. El Chilamate hill marks the border with the Southern Caribbean.
The Bulún caves are a secluded spot to learn about the lush nature of Chontales and its geological past.
Culture
Impregnated with mountains and opulent water sources, Villa Sandino is a municipality with a cattle-raising tradition established at the beginning of the lands that descend towards the Caribbean. It was previously known as El Embarcadero, Pueblo Viejo, Villa Hermosa del Rosario, Villa Somoza and Villa San Francisco.
The municipality of Villa Sandino, founded in 1942, had its origin in 1886 when immigrant families from other parts of the country, in search of land suitable for raising cattle, formed the hamlet known as Pueblo Viejo, on the route from Chontales to the city of El Rama and Muelle de los Bueyes.
Pyramids of Garrobo Grande
Throughout its territory there are abundant archaeological remains as proof of the presence of the ancient Chontal peoples.
El Piedras Pintadas Archaeological ParkDeclared a “Historical and Cultural Heritage of the Nation” (2008), it is one of the main archaeological sites in Chontales. It has been considered the largest “pre-Columbian library” in Nicaragua, as it houses more than 150 enormous rocks on which more than 1,500 petroglyphs of various motifs were engraved.
The pyramids of Garrobo Grande They continue to inspire the most fervent interest in the archaeological wealth of Chontales. Some historical sources consider them to be older than other pre-Columbian constructions in the Americas. This ancestral environment also includes archaeological sites in Muhan and La Gateada.
The construction of the road to El Rama allowed the emergence of several camps that later became hamlets such as Muhan, La Gateada, Rancho Alegre, Los Millones and El Chilamate.
The sounds of bulls are the most popular musical and dancing expressions in the municipality.
Leather workshops produce items such as pack saddles, belts, saddlebags, and boots. They are located in the community of Villa Sandino and the village of La Gateada.
Archaeological crafts reproduce indigenous engravings in wood, clay, glass, metal and the embossing technique.
Architecture
This municipality has a vernacular architecture. Their houses are mainly made of wood and little by little modernity is giving space to new and elegant constructions.
Its parish church is modern and dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle. The church in Muhan is a building of innovative design. A number of Protestant churches have been erected throughout the municipality.
The bullring and the municipal stadium are spaces with suitable conditions for the events and activities that are regularly held there. In Muhan and La Gateada, there are multipurpose courts and bullrings for celebrations of bullfighting traditions.
The Sandino viewpoint is a spot to contemplate and enjoy a beautiful view of the town and its surroundings.
Religious Festivals
The traditional festivities of Villa Sandino are celebrated in honor of Saint Peter (April and June).
There are also traditional celebrations in Muhan (Saint George, in April), La Gateada and El Chilamate, communities that concentrate a significant rural population.
The municipality's anniversary festivities are on August 27 and include an extensive cultural program.
Gastronomy
Dairy products have a notable predominance in the family diet. Various cheeses, curds, quesillo, cream and butter are the most consumed.
The whereabouts of La Gateada and Muhan offer roasted and fried pork. The meat is fresh and the portions are served at the customer's request. In the afternoon, these same places offer nacatamales, torrejas and pork rinds.
In the Las Hamacas community, chicha de coyol is offered, an intoxicating drink of natural origin that also has medicinal applications.
