Come for the patron saint festival. The patron saint celebrations on the week of August 15 celebrate the Assumption of Mary. This patron saint festival is renowned as one of the best in Central America, drawing people from neighboring countries. Much of this celebration takes place in the Plaza de Toros near the center of town. Here the highlighted event is bull riding. On average five people die every year from bull related injuries. As a result, there is a saying in Juigalpa, âIt is not a good patron saint festival if nobody diesâ.There are two fairs during the patron saint festival. One is put on by the mayorâs office in the center of town. The other, and larger of the two, is organized by a microfinance NGO, PRODESA, and takes place in the PRODESA fairgrounds located on the western side of town.Plaza Taurina de Chontales, located on the north end of town, has a rodeo every middle weekend of the month. The design of this arena was inspired by the rodeo arena in Houston, Texas.
