WARDEN MESSAGES

Political Rally: El Repliegue - July 05, 2008

On Saturday, July 5, the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) will commemorate the 29th anniversary of “El Repliegue.”   “El Repliegue” was the retreat of the Sandinistas from Managua to Masaya during the Nicaraguan revolutionary war.

A rally is scheduled to begin at the Mercado Roberto Huembes parking area and proceed to Masaya.  The participants will depart from Mercado Roberto Huembes at around 2:00 PM and head to Masaya, traveling south through Barrio Ariel Darce and Las Colinas as they make their way to Masaya. 

Expect heavy traffic at Roberto Huembes market, Las Colinas, Jean Paul Jenie Rotonda and Masaya highway until at least 10:00 PM.  Travelers should avoid these areas, if possible. 

We wish to remind American citizens that even political rallies intended to be peaceful can possibly escalate into violence.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to exercise caution.

The Embassy’s Regional Security Officer has recommended that Embassy personnel not drive through barricades encountered on the street, that they keep windows up and doors locked in their vehicles, and that they carry a cell phone.

The U.S. Embassy in Managua is now located at Km 5 ½ C. Sur Managua, Nicaragua.  The U.S. Embassy in Managua can be reached 24/7 at 505-252-7100.  For emergencies (deaths, arrests, etc.) after hours, U.S. citizens can call this phone number and ask for the Embassy Duty Officer.

General information regarding consular service is available by calling (505) 252-7888.  Non-emergency services for American citizens are available Monday through Friday, 1:00 to 3:00 PM, except on Nicaraguan and U.S. holidays.

Additional contact information for the American Citizens Services unit is as follows:

Fax:             (505) 252-7304

Email:           ACS.Nicaragua@state.gov

Website:       http://managua.usembassy.gov

U.S. citizens are urged to register and update their contact information at the following website: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui.

Updated information on travel and security in Nicaragua may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada or, from outside the United States and Canada, 1-202-501-4444. U.S. citizens should consult the Department of State's Country Specific Information and Travel Warning for Nicaragua at http://travel.state.gov, the Worldwide Caution at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html, and the travel publication "A Safe Trip Abroad" at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html.