Culture and Archeology
Ometepe is coined from a Nahuatl word meaning ome meaning two and tepetl meaning mountain which goes together as two mountains. Ometepe's major crop is Plantains. The island's economy is based on tourism, livestock, and agriculture. On the Island of Ometepe fosters the celebration of religious and folk festivals more than anywhere in Nicaragua.
One of the most important villages on the island of Ometepe is Altagracia. Altagracia is the second largest town on the island of Ometepe. There is a large festival hosted by the people of Altagracia every year from November 12th-18th. The festival is in honor of the man San Diego de Alcala. There are many dances that take place during the festival but the main dance is called the baile del Zompopo which is preformed on the 17th of November. This cultural event attracts many people from both Central and South America.
While the second largest village on the island of Ometepe is the Moyogalpa. Moyogalpa means “place of mosquitos”. The patrons saint festival in Moyogalpa which takes place from July 23rd – 26th and features the folkoric dance Balie de las Inditas.
While the second largest village on the island of Ometepe is the Moyogalpa. Moyogalpa means “place of mosquitos”. The patrons saint festival in Moyogalpa which takes place from July 23rd – 26th and features the folkoric dance Balie de las Inditas.
The Island of Ometepe has several pre-Colombian sites filled with ceramics and petroglyphs. Many of the ceramic pieces and petroglyphs are currently being studied. Boulders and art pieces are covered with vegetation, therefore it is difficult not to harm the native species while attempting to do research and discovering new relics.