Clapping, drums, music, dance, and engaged pupils; these were some of the elements present at the Moravian Gym last Monday – as it again was time for “La Liga de Saber”; an annual knowledge competition concerning “El Palo de Mayo”.


The objective of the whole activity was to inform and empower the youth about the Maypole, and the ancient history and cultural practices interrelated with the festival. Many of the traditional customs are in danger of being erased and forgotten as it might not be passed down from generation to generation. Everyone celebrates May Pole, but do we – the young people – actually know about the origins and old traditions interrelated to the festival? This event was implemented in order to preserve the culture and traditions at the Carribean Coast of Nicaragua.

Preparations at the schools

During the beginning of May-month the youth organizations of Bluefields have visited different schools in the city and have trained the adolescents and youth about the history and the origins of “El Palo de mayo” – in order to prepare the pupils for the competition “La Liga de Saber” which was going to be held in the Moravian Gym Monday 23th of May.

The presentations have been carried out in the following schools; Colegio Moravo, Horatio, Escuela 30 de Octubre, Madre del Divino Pastor, El Verbo, Colón, San Marcos and La Escuela Normal. Each of the schools picked out 6 pupils that were going to represent them in the competition. Despite the fact that the pupils already had knowledge about the festival after years of living in the city and participating in the event – they learned something they did not know before regarding the history and ancient traditions related to the festival.


History of El Palo de Mayo

In order to understand “El Palo de Mayo” is it necessary to have knowledge about the history, habits and the cultural elements of the Criole people in the city of Bluefields; the original inhabitants of what is considered “the home” of the festival. El Palo de Mayo has been carried out in Bluefields for many hundred years. It was originally translated to Bluefields by the English who celebrated May Day – a European custom where people danced around a tree the first day of May month. Originally, the festival started in Bluefields in December, and was interrelated with the preparations for Christmas. During the last centuries “El Palo de Mayo” has undergone a range of changes and moderations, and is today present in Bluefields throughout May month. If you want to read more about this, follow the link; May Pole 2011 site.

La Liga de Saber

Monday 23 of May, 8 teams with 6 participants each were gathered in the Moravian gym in order to participate in the competition about determining the school with most knowledge about “El Palo de Mayo”. BICU, CEDEHCA, La Casa Municipal, La Alcaldía, la Secretaría de Juventud, Jóvenes Luchadores and other youth organizations were all involved in arranging the event. Each team was followed by about 40-50 of their class-mates, and this made the atmosphere enchanted as they all cheered ardently for their respected teams.

The judges read up the questions, and the team that wanted to answer had to rise up and fan with colorful patches – in order to invoke the attention of the judges.  Only the team that first raised their notes after the question was presented; were allowed to answer. But if the question was not met with an adequate answer, the other participants were allowed to supply the first team – and gain points themselves. Everyone inside the room was able to feel the competitive instinct that characterized the event. “May-pole-songs” such as “Pass anda” and “Sing Sayman, sing mye love” were played out load in the hall, and the aura was palpable. The competition got tenser and the expectations about winning increased during the event. After the questions everyone enjoyed some refreshments while they anxiously waited for the final result.

“We are both excited and proud about the victory; and we will definitely use the money on something that will benefit the everyday situation for pupils at our school”

- Student from Escuela Normal

While the Cristobal Colon came on third place, the Divino Pastor came on second place and La Escuela Normal walked away with the victory. They won honor and glory – in addition to 4000 córdobas. It was well implemented, and all agreed that it had been an interesting and instructive event.