Q COSTA RICA — The U.S. Embassy in Managua has issued a security alert in advance of the July 19 holiday in Nicaragua,
Marches, large gatherings, and demonstrations are expected in Managua and throughout the country, leading to traffic disruption, congestion, and roadblocks, which may increase the possibility of U.S. citizen encounters with police, military, and other Nicaraguan authorities.
While the activities are expected to remain peaceful, caution should be used. On its website, the Embassy recommends the following:
- Avoid demonstrations or large gatherings and leave the area immediately if you are unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
- Do not participate in demonstrations. Foreigners, including U.S.-Nicaraguan dual nationals, risk arrest or expulsion if they participate in protests. The Nicaraguan government may treat dual nationals as only Nicaraguan citizens, in which case the U.S. Embassy may not be notified or granted consular access.
- Do not photograph or film police, military personnel, marches, or demonstrations. Doing so may attract unwanted attention from authorities and could result in detention or confiscation of your devices.
- Do not attempt to drive through large groups or barricades encountered on the street.
- Ensure you have an adequate supply of food and water in the event of disruptions.
- Make sure you have at least six months’ validity on your U.S. passport.
- Monitor local media for updates.
U.S. citizens can contact the U.S. Embassy in Managua, located at Km 5 ½ C. Sur Managua, Nicaragua, by using our U.S. citizens services navigator. For emergencies during business hours, call +505-2252-7161 (Monday to Thursday: 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday: 7:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.). For after-hours emergencies, call +505-2252-7100 and ask for the Embassy Duty Officer.
What is July 19th?
On July 19th, Nicaragua celebreated Sandinista Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución) to mark the 1979 overthrow of the Somoza family dictatorship. It is one of the nation’s most important mandatory national holidays.
The day serves as a massive political and cultural milestone, legally requiring employers to provide a paid day off for all workers.
The central government gathering takes place at Plaza de la Fe in the capital city of Managua. The main event includes massive choreographed displays, hours of revolutionary music, and keynote speeches by the country’s leadership.