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The Story of La Purisima and La Griteria: A Unique Nicaraguan Sacred Tradition Adapted to Louisiana. By Denese Neu
The Tradition in Nicaragua Impact Of Hurricane Katrina On The Nicaraguan Community And Conclusion The long-term impact of Hurricane Katrina is still unknown. Cities are organic places that change over time, but disaster changes them instantly. It is safe to say that no one living in Southeast Louisiana emerged from the destruction and aftermath an unchanged person. Throughout the region, families found themselves scattered while neighborhood groups formed cohesive tribes for rebuilding. As Louisianans sought higher ground, to take a breath, and assess the damage to their world, Latino immigrant workers arrived en-masse to fill the recovery labor needs. It is assumed that many of them will move on when the work subsides but many have already found Southeast Louisiana to be a welcoming place where they can freely celebrate their heritage within an already rich culture. Celebration of La Purisima with altars to the Blessed Mother remains a vital and significant tradition in New Orleans' Nicaraguan community. The St. Jerome La Purisima organizers tell of immigrants who first settled in other American cities but came to Southeast Louisiana for hurricane recovery work. When they arrived and discovered the La Purisima celebration, they were excited to once again be celebrating an event so closely linked to their identity. Juan Gutierrez talked about how carefully they try to make the La Purisima event a tradition to be maintained. It is "so people can identify and say 'that is our country, our culture'." José Arrechevalla expands by saying, "We try because not every day we can do that." Regardless of nationality, the first generation is the most involved with customs from their native country. In years past, younger generations were encouraged to Americanize but in recent times, the value of heritage has increased. The organizers know that they need to bring younger generations into the planning and decision-making so that the tradition may carry forward. Elizabeth Narvaez tells how the recipes have adapted over the years but her children have asked her for more authentic recipes. During these times, it is impossible to discuss Southeast Louisiana populations without acknowledging those displaced by Hurricane Katrina and those who are choosing to make new homes elsewhere. One wonders how they will practice their culture and heritage as they assimilate in their new geography. The Narvaez' share that because they were forced to leave their home, they held more tightly to their traditions as they settled into their new life. They explain that the people most involved with the organized La Purisima are those who left Nicaragua due to the revolution. Martha says it simply, "When you have to flee, you need something to hang onto." They can now easily travel to Nicaragua to connect to their roots but have come to consider New Orleans home. They love the culture of the place but they have not lost their heritage among it. Much of this is due to La Purisima and the opportunity it presents to immerse themselves in Nicaraguan traditions if even for a few hours. The influx of Latinos to Southeast Louisiana may drive a renewed interest in heritage among those who have entirely assimilated and for the second and third generations. Because the Central American countries share cultural elements, which are celebrated through different festivals and sacred observances, their customs may merge. Alfredo Narvaez comments that the Nicaraguan people do not feel threatened by these new people and have helped them transition as best they can. He believes that the other Central American immigrants will likely blend together to help each other practice their individual cultural identities and that the Latino influence will become another chapter of the area's creolization.
Denese Neu has a doctorate in Urban Studies from the University of New Orleans. She runs a consulting practice specializing in heritage, health, and sustainability issues; conducts independent research; and is an adjunct professor now residing in Chicago. Documenting La Purisima and the Nicaraguan population brought her home and expanded her appreciation of the people who make Southeast Louisiana such a unique place. She did this research as part of the New Populations Project. |
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