MIAMI — Hundreds of Nicaraguans celebrated the feast of the Immaculate Conception with vibrant altars and joyful hymns in Miami, amid ongoing repression back home. Known as 'gritería,' the festivities were a poignant reminder of their traditions, especially as the government in Nicaragua intensifies crackdowns on religious expressions. Families came together, some traveling from far away, to express their faith and community spirit on this special occasion. Neri Flores traveled from Chicago with his family, determined to maintain the tradition despite challenges. The altars, set up outside churches and in vehicles, featured statues of the Virgin Mary and were adorned with balloons and lights. Attendees sang hymns and performed the traditional 'grito,' joyfully proclaiming their faith. This year’s events also brought attention to the struggles faced by Nicaraguan immigrants in the U.S., where fear of immigration enforcement looms large. Pastors emphasized the importance of maintaining faith and resilience, reminding the congregation that hope for a free Nicaragua persists even amid adversity.