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The rich cultural life and physical beauty of Nicaragua make the choice of entertainment wide and adaptable to a traveler’s taste and budget. Movies are popular, and theatres are easily found in cities, malls and smaller towns. In the cities, nightclubs cater to both a young and middle-aged clientele. Clubs generally serve food, feature either live music or a DJ, and are open from 6:00 p.m. until about 4:00 a.m. The legal drinking age is twenty-one; however, it is not generally enforced. Anyone over the age of sixteen can usually be served.

In each city or town there is what is known as a “cultural house,” which functions as a cultural center. There are performances of theatre, modern and traditional music, and other folkloric groups which sometimes perform for free. In the smaller towns, cultural houses and small art museums exhibit the arts and handcrafts for which that particular town is famous.

The physical beauty in Nicaragua makes it a place where one can find pleasure simply by taking a walk. In small cities, the parks are often full of artisans and artists selling their wares. In colonial cities, there is usually a central park, often with a prominent fountain which serves as a gathering place for young people, and which is the site of free concerts of both traditional and contemporary music. In smaller cities and towns, it is possible to swim in the rivers.

Fairs and religious feast days take place all over Nicaragua. A traditional feast day begins with a Roman Catholic Mass in the morning followed by a parade, a festival with a merry-go-round, organized games, and beautiful food, drink and traditional dancing that continues into the night. These events are opportunities for social barriers to dissolve and for a town to spend a day celebrating.

Favorite sports of Nicaragua include baseball, soccer, basketball and volleyball. During baseball season, the stadiums are always full. Nicaraguans greatly enjoy watching the other three sports at university championships and competitions.

The countryside in Nicaragua tends to be safe. In the cities, however, one must be vigilant about protecting oneself from crime. Pay special attention to personal belongings, and always lock car doors when stopping at traffic lights. When going out at night, always travel in groups and be sure you know where you are going. Parking at overlooks to enjoy the beauty of a city is wise only when part of a large group.