Fieldwork Archive
¿Quién causa tanta alegría?
Recited by León residents.
Recorded August 14, 2025 in León, Nicaragua (acquisition date: August 16, 2025).
Recited during the "gritería chiquita" celebration in Nicaragua.
Recorded by Claudio Alexander Urbina on behalf of Derek Piotr.
La gritería ("the shout") is a Nicaraguan festival which originated in the early 18th century, held in honor of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, also nicknamed the Purísima.
It is celebrated on the night of December 7th, the eve of the Catholic feast day for the Immaculate Conception.
On August 14 there is a similar celebration, called la gritería chiquita ("the little shout") in honor of the Assumption of Mary.
These celebrations, especially the one for the Immaculate Conception, are some of the largest in the country and are celebrated in its various towns and cities.
They hold special significance in the city of León, where they originated.
Devotees walk the streets and visit different altars erected in honor of the Virgin Mary in churches and private homes, offering prayers, singing, and setting off fireworks while shouting the pregón "¿Quién causa tanta alegría?" ("Who causes so much joy?") and responding "¡La Concepción de María!" ("The Conception of Mary!") or "¡La Asunción de María!" ("The Assumption of Mary!")
The inhabitants of the houses welcome the devotees with a toast, popularly called la gorra (the cap), of candy and other small gifts.
This is a recording of the experience of walking in the neighborhoods while proclaiming the pregón. It has been compiled from a longer recording and edited for brevity. Also heard briefly are people singing Marian carols associated with these holidays.
