Over 40 Countries Gather for Arts Festival in Nicaragua

More than 40 countries are participating in a new edition of the International Festival of Arts, Cultures, and Gastronomy of Our Peoples, held today in Nicaragua. The event aims to promote unity among nations.

Hosted at the Olof Palme Convention Center in the capital city, the festival showcases the best of each nation’s cuisine, featuring traditional foods and beverages, while also presenting dances, songs, and traditional costumes, among other artistic expressions.

"Each country shares its roots, history, and culinary richness. This has become a window to the world where, through dance, music, and food, we are transported to different corners of the globe," said Mara Stotti, co-director of the Nicaraguan Tourism Institute (Intur), during the opening ceremony.

Camila Ortega, coordinator of Nicaragua’s National Commission for Creative and Orange Economy, noted that the country is once again celebrating the festival under the direction of co-presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, honoring the unity of peoples, arts, and cultures.

Managua Mayor Reyna Rueda also spoke at the inauguration, highlighting the government’s efforts to organize the event and thanking the 42 participating countries. She noted that their delegations are composed of nationals from each country currently residing in Nicaragua.

Countries represented at the festival include Abkhazia, China, Bolivia, Russia, Angola, Libya, the Dominican Republic, Iran, Algeria, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, France, Italy, Japan, Panama, Venezuela, Türkiye, Costa Rica, Peru, and Mexico.

Also participating are delegations from Palestine, Honduras, Guatemala, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, India, Indonesia, Egypt, Nigeria, the United States, Ecuador, Brazil, Scotland, Thailand, Argentina, New Zealand, Jordan, Morocco, Spain, Germany, and the host country.

Felix Sánchez, Intur’s national promotion director, announced that this year’s festival features a new interactive component. Visitors can access culinary offerings via QR codes, providing a unique experience for families and attendees.