Crab Soup Day – August 27, 2024

History of Crab Soup Day

Nicaragua can be found in Central America and many people have enjoyed visiting and exploring the area. The country is bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. The beautiful nation ranges from the Pacific Ocean bordering the west and the Caribbean Sea on the nation’s east coast. The country has a series of islands and cays that are located in the Caribbean Sea. The name Nicaragua is derived from Nicarao, from the Nahuatl-speaking tribe. This is the tribe that inhabited the shores of Lake Nicaragua before the Spanish conquest of the Americas. The second part of the name comes from the Spanish word ‘agua,’ which means ‘water.’ This is because of the presence of the large Lake Cocibolca. It also refers to the lagoons and rivers in the region.

The Spanish arrived in western Nicaragua in the early 16th century. At the time, they found three principal tribes, and each had a different culture and spoke a different language. The tribes in the region were the Niquirano, the Chorotegano, and the Chontal. They each occupied much of Nicaragua’s territory. They had independent chieftains who ruled according to each group’s laws and customs. They generally lived in peace, being tolerant of their differences. They respected each other’s territories and ways of life. These tribes had weapons that consisted of swords, lances, and arrows that were made out of wood. The form of government was monarchy. They had a supreme ruler who was the chief, or cacique. He was surrounded by his princes and formed the nobility. The laws and regulations in the country were disseminated by royal messengers. The messengers were required to visit each township in the nation. They were to assemble the inhabitants to give their chief’s orders.