One of the most colourful and engaging traditions of Nicaragua exists in the city ‘León Santiago de los Caballeros’, a colonial city founded by the Spanish on the North west pacific coast of that country. There can be can be found Gigantonas (female giants) and Enanos Cabezones (Big-headed Dwarves), processional figures that are a result of the mixing of indigenous and Spanish cultures.   more (pdf file)...

The Gigantona is a giant puppet figure representing the Spanish lady in all her power and splendour and majesty, her imposing stature demonstrating the power of the Spanish over the indigenous peoples. 

In construction the Gigantona has a carved wooden head mounted on a substantial cross beam from which wooden struts radiate downwards leaving space for the gigantonero. By comparison the Enano is made with a 3 foot diameter head formed from bamboo or willow covered in painted cloth. Below the head comes a short body and legs where a shoulder frame and suit disguise the bearer.

Typical of the groups engaged in supporting this tradition is the youth group Viva León Jodido. This group is based in the indidgenous quarter of Sutiaba and celebrates the cultural traditions of the city through processions of the Gigantona. Children participating in these events create their own dance routines and prepare couplets which can be recited on the day of a public performance.

Necat sponsors projects in which children can participate and demonstrate their skills and artistic talents. Typical of these is the competition of Enanos Cabezones, where the children form teams and compete for prizes for the best presented Enano. Shown opposite is the most recent competition, which took place in June 2006.