Moyogalpa

Moyogalpa
Municipality
Port of Moyogalpa, Rivas
Country	Nicaragua
Department	Rivas
Area
• Municipality	25 sq mi (66 km2)
Population  (2005)
• Municipality	9,729
• Density	380/sq mi (150/km2)
• Urban	4,795

Moyogalpa (Spanish pronunciation: [moʝoˈɣalpa]) is a municipality in the Rivas department of Nicaragua. Moyogalpa is the largest village on the Ometepe Island and the home of the largest port. There are multiple hotels, hostels, and restaurants on the island, along with small shops called "Pulperias" selling a variety of items from snacks to basic clothing. In 2016, Walmart opened a Pali Supermarket in Moyogalpa to serve the 40,000+ island population, including many expats and the thousands of visiting tourists. Since opening Pali, many of the small pulperias have improved their own meat, produce and items for sale displays, adding many items not offered by Pali.

Etymology

In the indigenous language Moyogalpa means "place of mosquitos."

Traditions

Moyogolpa like many of the towns along the island the people of Moyogolpa mix indigenous traditions, European, and Catholic traditions. There is no time when this is better displayed than during the patron saint's festival. Moyogolpa's festival is known for el baile de las Inditas. This dance is supposed to represent the relationship between the indigenous people of Nicaragua and the Europeans and the combining of the two cultures. The woman represents the indigenous while the man represents the dance. The dance represents the relationship as one filled with love, respect, and chivalry, although not necessarily equality.