Entertainment and Events

A concerted effort to raise Granada [1]’s profile, the annual February Poetry Festival is a knock-out, drawing not only Nicaragua’s most acclaimed literati and musicians (Gioconda Belli, Ernesto Cardenal, Norma Elena Gadea), but an astonishing array of poets and artists from around the world as well.

The event capitalizes on the open spaces of several Granada landmarks, including cathedrals, the San Francisco convent [2], and Granada’s best plazas. If your trip coincides with this event, book your room early.

Throughout the rest of the year, the Casa de los Leones [3] sponsors frequent events, including concerts by local musicians and visiting international artists. One block west of the plaza, Granada’s humble movie theater, El Teatro Karawala, offers popular (often trashy) American movies; good for rainy evenings. Cafe Melba ups the bar with a better selection of international films.