Nicaraguans in Costa Rica place photos of people killed during demonstrations at the Stations of the Cross • El Nuevo Diario

The community of Nicaraguan exiles in San José (Costa Rica) commemorated the anniversary of the beginning of protests against the Nicaraguan government with a via crucis in which 14 stations adorned with photos of the deceased stood out in the context of the crisis sociopolitical.

In the act, there was Nicaraguan poetry, music and dances, and the names of all the dead were read during the anti-government demonstrations.

Each station corresponds to a department of Nicaragua and the participants placed flowers, blue and white curtains, crosses and masks of El Güegüense.

Adonis Alemán, member of the Alliance of Young Nicaraguan Exiles, explained that the Costa Rican community had decided to organize the 14 stations of the Way of the Cross, adorning them with altars bearing the name and the photo imprisoned protesters who represented one of the departments.

"The Via Crucis started at three o'clock on the afternoon of Good Friday, then people stayed to see the train stations, it was a cultural evening where Nicaraguan food was sold." Holy Week meant coming back to April (2018), remembering our roots in exile, feeling united, and the activity made us see that the fraternity is still very strong, "said Alemán, a student in business administration at the University. Polytechnic of Nicaragua (UPOLI).

Famous protesters in Nicaragua, such as Alex Vanegas, who left the country on March 13, attended the event. This is the famous 62 year old marathon runner who was released on February 27th.

Socorro Matus Aleman, better known as "Doña Coquito", was a 78-year-old woman who won the affection of Nicaraguans by giving water to students who were demonstrating in front of the national seminary, where took place in May. past year.

"The activity was full of culture and patriotism.In my case, quesillos were made by a young Nicaraguan people living in Carpio.Nacatamales and enchiladas were sold.There was also Nicaraguan music that made us happy at any time, "said a young Nicaraguan living in the south of the country.

The young man, who omitted his name for security reasons, said that, in the sense of the cross, he shouted anti-government slogans and that the activity was protected by the Costa Rican police.

"A man also sang and expressed his solidarity with the Nicaraguan struggle, many groups sang and made us feel at home, and in the end, it was also said that we had to stay together and that we were going to be together. The goal was for Nicaragua to become a republic again.

We all want to come back to continue working for a Nicaragua in the areas of justice, peace, democracy and inclusion, "said the young man.

The activity took place in Víquez Square and featured a cultural event. The Via Crucis was not organized by the Catholic Church, but by some organizations represented by exiles.