In Nicaragua, Christmas begins December 7 with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, known in Spanish as “La Purísima” (The Most Pure). The exuberance and the loudness of the festivities is such that it has also come to be called “La Noche de Gritería”, the Night of the Screams. Songs are sung at maximum volume, fireworks are set off and crowds shout out questions and responses: “Quien causa tanta alegría?” — “Why all this happiness? — “La Concepción de María!” — “The Conception of Mary!” — “Viva la Concepcio!” — “Long live the Conception!” Homeowners hand out out candies, fruit and little treats to the crowds who will party until dawn.