The eighth edition of Granada’s International Poetry Festival will take place from February 13 to 20, 2012. In attendance will be more than 110 poets from 62 countries which will be dedicated to the poet Carlos Martínez Rivas (1924 – 1998) and will also note the centennial of Pablo Antonio Cuadra’s birthday (Nicaragua, 1912). Its slogan will be “La Poesía es Insurrección Solitaria”, which is related to one of Martinez’s poetry books. The event includes recitals, talks, concerts, books sales, open microphone activities and a folkloric Nicaraguan festival.

The city of Granada is mostly known for its tourist interest due to its history and architecture. However, the city has also been characterized by its cultural profile which transformed Granada into the host city for the International Poetry Festival since 2005. This event is a celebration of poetry and culture with poets from all over the world participating, and it is currently the largest poetry event in Nicaragua and Central America. Every year a large number of prestigious poets are invited to the city to recite poems and participate in this cultural event.

This is the first time that the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malaysia and Santa Lucía will come to Nicaragua for this event. The scenarios will be varied and the majority of them will be located in the city of Granada, although there will also be performances in the municipalities of Nandaime, Diriomo, Masaya, Nindirí, Catarina, Niquinohomo, Masatepe, Jinotepe, Diriamba, San Marcos, León and Managua.

In addition to the traditional poetry readings, panel discussions, workshops, presentations, dance performances and concerts, the festival will also include a Crafts Fair, Books Fair and a Poetic Carnival. The carnival is a major expression that brings together the national folklore with a tribute to the Caribbean culture, women and youth in Nicaragua. This year’s event announced the participation of the renowned poets Derek Walcott (Nobel Prize), Robert Pinsky (Pulitzer Prize nominee), Homero Aridjis (Xavier Villaurrutia Award) and Reynaldo Lacamara (President of the Association writers of Chile) for this edition.

One of these locations is the tower of the La Merced Church where members like Joaquín Pasos, Octavio Rocha, Alberto Ordóñez, Luís Alberto Cabrales, Manolo Cuadra and Pablo Antonio Cuadra used to meet. In 2007,the poetry festival was dedicated to this last poet, Pablo Antonio Cuadra. All earlier festivals that have taken place were also dedicated to poets from Granada who formed part of this literary movement. Just like previous celebrations this year’s festival attempts to strengthen the national traditions and this is clearly displayed during the celebration of the traditional “Poetic Carnival”, which is a symbolic burial of the ignorance, intolerance, and indifference – an event accompanied by parades of almost all of the characters of Nicaraguan folklore.

This year’s honored poet is Carlos Martinez Rivas who was born in Guatemala (1924) and died in Managua (1998). He lived in Madrid (Spain) and Paris (France) during a very bohemian period of cultural learning. His collection of poems entitled “Infierno de Cielo y antes y después,” won the 1984 Ruben Dario Latin American Poetry Prize (Nicaragua). His latest book “La Insurrección Solitaria” was published in Mexico in 1953. Due to his alcoholism, his literary production became more and more scarce. His poetry can also be found in books such as “El paraíso recobrado” (1943) and “Poesía Reunida” (2007).

We enjoy the festival each year for many reasons. Granada curbs are painted, the streets are repaired and cleaned, and there is a festive air about the city. Many artisans set up tents to sell their wares, food tents appear and it is a massive book fair. Poets are held in higher esteem here and they pretty much state their opinion on everything from love to war. It would be a good time for you to visit Nicaragua during the Poet Festival. February is cooler with highs in the 80s and even cooler nights with strong breezes off the lake.

Real Estate in Nicaragua

2012 may be a good year for Nicaragua with so many positive things happening. Elections are over and now the government can return to the real work. Real estate activity is not outstanding but seems to be picking up especially in Granada. Not like the crazy times of 2005-2006 but frankly, properties were overpriced then. Prices have now stabilized and we don’t expect them to drop much more except when an owner is pressed for money.

The majority of our clients are looking for a home or fixer-upper in the historical districts of Granada and these are getting scarce. Prices are lower outside of these areas and we expect more interest as the traditional homes disappear. Let’s discuss the alternative of living in a development.

Why is there not more interest in developments? Many of our clients respond that they want to be within walking distance of everything which makes sense since the majority of expats do not have vehicles. Many state they do not want to be isolated in a gated community . There is nothing stopping you from mingling all day then returning to your home in the evening. Some state they do not want to pay the POA or HOA fees associated with those communities. The answer to that depends on what you receive for your fees. The fees may include covering the garbage pickup, water, TV cable access, internet access, security and common grounds or road maintenance. What would be the cost of providing those services yourself? For example, for most developments you will not need a caretaker and your home can be built without bars on the windows and doors. What value is that to you? It also means you can leave for extended periods anytime you wish without concern for the security of your home.

We have three developments within two miles of Granada. All of them have wonderful views and the prices are good values. All of the advantages of Granada but with more solitude and tranquility. All of them have few homes at this time but you can build your dream home for much less than you expect. Ask us to show you Valle Escondido, Brisas del Lago and Vista Lago.

Along the Pacific coast there are many developments to choose from depending on your requirements. Again, there are few homes in these developments at this time but they provide excellent values if ocean front or ocean view is what you are looking for. One of our favorites is Iguana which has a great 9-hole golf course and one of the finest surfing locations. Montecristo just announced they will begin construction of their golf course within weeks and homes are starting to dot the hills overlooking the ocean. Gran Pacifica recently put their golf course, restaurant and rental services under new management so we are expecting great things there. There are many more to consider. We would be happy to discuss the many options with you.

Nicaragua is a new country to most of you and you may feel you need a little more security in your purchase. Title insurance is available on many of these properties. For more info contact an expert we work with:

Turalu Brady Murdock

Attorney* and Title Coordinator
Managua, Nicaragua
Nicaragua cell: 505-8930-2609
Email: tueymurdock@gmail.com
US Vonage: 305-394- 8878
Skype: Turalu.Brady.Murdock

Nicaragua has every tropical lifestyle you can imagine from colonial homes to condos to seaside casitas. Come to Nicaragua and envision a new life for you.