This exhibition highlights the annual celebrations of the Corn Islands, which have brought the community together for decades. It reflects the enduring spirit and cultural identity passed down through generations.
Old Christmas
Date: 6 January
A traditional observance carried over from British settlers, marking the original date of Christmas according to the Julian calendar. On this day, traditionally, some churches would hold a mass to celebrate the end of the 12 days of Christmas.
Digital Number: TCISVM-5010
Corn Islands' Birthday
Date: 9 February
This day celebrates when the Corn Islands were declared a municipality in Nicaragua in 1940, marking the beginning of the local government and township status.
Digital Number: TCISVM-5011
Sunrise Sunday
Date: Easter Sunday
A community gathering at dawn to sing hymns and reflect on renewal and life, and remember the Resurrection of Christ. This is often held in local cemeteries by most churches at sunset.
Digital Number: TCISVM-5012
Corn Islands Picnic Day
Date: Easter Monday
A relaxed family and friends day on the beach, with games and shared meals, to celebrate the end of the Holy Week holidays.
Digital Number: TCISVM-5013
Maypole Celebration
Date: 1–31 May
A month-long celebration of Afro-Caribbean heritage through music, dance, and maypole dances.
Digital Number: TCISVM-5014
.webp)
Emancipation Day
Date: 27 August
This celebration commemorates the abolition of Black slavery on the islands in 1841. It is the main festival of the Corn Islands, featuring a parade that includes carnival groups and floats, traditional food, games and artistic performances.
Digital Number: TCISVM-5015
Miss Corn Island Election Night
Date: 28 August
A cultural pageant where young ladies compete in talent, knowledge, and performance, reflecting the spirit of the Corn Islands.
Digital Number: TCISVM-5016
Cross Over (Little Corn Island)
Date: 29 August
Visiting Little Corn Island from Great Corn Island to celebrate the emancipation from slavery with the local community, where food, games, and artistic performances are present.
Digital Number: TCISVM-5017
Rachael (Minstrel Show)
Date: December
A traditional theatrical performance blending satire, dance, and drama, typically enacted by community members during the early days of December, especially on weekends.
Digital Number: TCISVM-5018
Masquerade Season
Date: 15 December – 6 January
During this festive gathering, locals craft masks of characters from traditional folk tales and roam the streets to the beat of rustic instruments, entertaining passers-by and stopping at each household to collect small gifts.
Digital Number: TCISVM-5019
.webp)
Christmas Carols Season
Date: 1-23 December
Churches come together with the community every weekend leading up to the 23rd of December to walk through the streets, singing Christmas carols, reciting poems, and sharing Bible scriptures that reflect the spirit of the season.
Digital Number: TCISVM-5020
Christmas Day
Date: 25 December
As many parts of the world, families gather to celebrate with food, fireworks and visiting the church to remember the birth of Christ.
Digital Number: TCISVM-5021
Watchnight
Date: 31 December
Churches come together in the last hours of the year to give gratitude for the year behind and to welcome the new year.
Digital Number: TCISVM-5022
