MIAMI (AP) — Hundreds of Nicaraguans sang in praise of the Virgin Mary at flower-and-light-filled altars set up in church parking lots and in vehicles on the streets of Miami to mark the Dec. 8 feast of the Immaculate Conception.

The exuberant celebration called “gritería” is especially poignant this year amid the ongoing crackdowns on religion in Nicaragua and on immigrant communities in the United States.

“We’re going to do it no matter what,” said Neri Flores, who traveled from Chicago to set up an altar with his parents for the vigil Sunday night. “It’s tradition, family, giving back to the community, keeping up the faith and positive vibes.”

In the back of a large rental SUV parked near a Catholic church, the family placed a painting of the Immaculate Conception at the center of their altar. Flores’ mother carried the painting across the U.S.-Mexican border when she was pregnant with him in the early 1980s.

Nicaragua’s Ongoing Crackdown on Religion

A mid-19th century Vatican proclamation established the dogma that Mary was conceived free from original sin, significantly popularizing the feast worldwide. In Nicaragua, families typically create home altars and visit others, singing from house to house.

However, these celebrations have been stifled or co-opted by the Nicaraguan government, which has intensified its persecution of religion, considered one of the most severe globally according to human rights advocates and the U.S. government.

Since violently repressing protests in 2018, the government has targeted Catholic clergy, accusing them of supporting unrest. The church, in turn, has emerged as a vocal opposition against state violence.

Hundreds of clergy and laypeople have been imprisoned and exiled, and many remaining faithful live under strict surveillance. In the U.S., legal protections for thousands of Nicaraguans have been threatened under the Trump administration, contributing to a pervasive climate of fear.

Eager to celebrate, more than a thousand attendees gathered at St. John Bosco Catholic Parish, where the majority of its 3,000 member families hail from Nicaragua and Honduras, fostering a communal spirit. “Today’s event is all about trust,” expressed Pastor Yader Centeno, who emphasized the moment as one to strengthen faith and convey a message of freedom back home in Nicaragua.

Crowds Gather Around Altars in Miami

Altars ranged from simple to elaborate, adorned with balloons and lights, where attendees engaged in the traditional “grito” or cry, singing, “Who causes so much joy? Mary’s conception!”

As prayers filled the air, families donated toys, traditional foods, and religious souvenirs, showcasing community support, with many planning to serve at least 500 people.

“I’m super happy. To have this tradition outside of my country is something grand,” shared Scarlet Desbas, reflecting on the importance of continuing their heritage.

Individuals frequently expressed gratitude, asking for protection for their families in Nicaragua. Claudia Fuertes designed a grand balloon arch to frame her altar, sharing her hopes for a free Nicaragua one day.

Praying for Peace in Nicaragua and the U.S.

At St. Agatha Parish, hundreds participated in Sunday Mass, with the Rev. Silvio Báez urging attendees to oppose those misusing faith to oppress the vulnerable. “The Virgin will not forget our people; one day, Nicaragua will be free,” he proclaimed.

Báez, who left Nicaragua in 2019 under Pope Francis’ advice, cautioned of the dire conditions faced by those in Nicaragua, where even the color of altars is regulated by the government.

Pastor Marcos Somarriba called upon U.S. leadership to ensure immigration policies reflect the conditions faced by the persecuted. “The U.S. should take clear measures to protect Nicaraguans who have lost their homeland,” he urged, underscoring the unity and resilience shared amongst attendees.

Nearby, Oscar Carballo sang to the Virgin, reassuring those hesitant to participate due to rumors of immigration enforcement. “Here you feel like in the patio of your home,” he remarked, as he supported the collective prayer for peace and security everywhere.