At Home in “Little Managua”: Nicaraguan Immigration to and Maintaining Cultural Identity in Miami

Nicaraguan Diaspora Five Waves of Mass Migration Five Waves of Mass Migration First First Second Second Third Third Fourth Fourth Fifth 1998-Present Fifth 1998-Present Political Vs. Economic Reasons Political Vs. Economic Reasons 75% of Nicaraguans have at least one Relative Living Abroad 75% of Nicaraguans have at least one Relative Living Abroad

Economy in Distress Reason For Migrating ReasonPercentage No Jobs, Couldn’t Find Job44.4 To Improve Family’s Economic Condition 26.5 Low Wages12.6 Other14.3 Friends Recommended11 To Send Money10 Source: Orozco, 2008.

Home Away from Home: Nicaraguans Finding a Place in South Florida

Florida39%45% California37%29% New York5% Texas4% New Jersey2% Maryland2% Virginia2% Louisiana2% Other7%2% Total100% Nicaraguan population in Florida is concentrated in and around the Miami area Nicaraguan population in Florida is concentrated in and around the Miami area The fourth largest Hispanic group The fourth largest Hispanic group Well established businesses Well established businesses At least two newspapers: At least two newspapers: La Estrella de Nicaragua El Nicaraguense Orozco, Nicaraguans in the U.S.

Here & There Why Miami? Why Miami? Comparable Climate? Comparable Climate? Established Latin American community? Established Latin American community? Spanish Speaking? Spanish Speaking? Colorful! Colorful!

Welcome to Sweetwater Nicknamed “Little Managua” Nicknamed “Little Managua” 17% of Sweetwater residents identify as being of Nicaraguan heritage 17% of Sweetwater residents identify as being of Nicaraguan heritage Sweetwater middle school is named after the famous Nicaraguan poet, Ruben Dario Sweetwater middle school is named after the famous Nicaraguan poet, Ruben Dario

Maintaining Cultural Identity Emphasis and availability of traditional dishes and ingredients Emphasis and availability of traditional dishes and ingredients Fiestas Patronales Fiestas Patronales Continued importance of Catholicism Continued importance of Catholicism Small businesses and professional organizations have taken on the responsibility of the mayordomias Small businesses and professional organizations have taken on the responsibility of the mayordomias

Sources The Nicaraguan Diaspora: trends and opportunities for diaspora engagement in skills transfers and development Family Remittances to Nicaragua: Opportunities to increase the economic contributions of Nicaraguans living abroad-Manuel Orozco “Miami: the capital of Latin America” ,00.html CIA World Factbook-Nicaragua “Miami’s Nicaraguan Communities” ,00.html ,00.html the-caribbean-decline-this-year-by-odeen-ishmael/ ).