Masaya

Masaya is a city in Nicaragua located approximately 25 kilometers southeast of Managua. It is situated on the shores of Lake Masaya and near the active Masaya Volcano, which is part of the Masaya Volcano National Park. The city is known as the "cradle of Nicaraguan folklore" due to its rich cultural traditions and vibrant arts scene.

With a population of around 150,000 people, Masaya is an important commercial and cultural center in Nicaragua. The city is famous for its craft markets, particularly the Mercado Artesanias de Masaya, where visitors can find traditional Nicaraguan handicrafts including pottery, textiles, and wood carvings.

The annual Festival of San Jerónimo, held in September, is a significant cultural event that attracts visitors from across the country and abroad. The festival features traditional music, dance, and processions that celebrate the city's cultural heritage.

Masaya is also historically significant as the site of the first Spanish settlement in mainland Central America in 1524. Today, it remains an important center for Nicaraguan culture, history, and tourism.