. APRIL 2013 BACK ISSUE This photo-essay focuses on coffee farming communities in Nicaragua. For many rural farmers, their coffee crop provides a much-needed source of income. Their weekdays are spent working the land, while the village church is the focus of their social and spiritual lives. The village of Diriomo is located on a plateau near the Mombacho Volcano in the south-west of the country. It is known as a 'bewitched village', due to the strong tradition of black magic, which is still practiced there to this day. Tarot card readings, fortune telling and the production of supernatural medicines are some of the ongoing practices. The Catholic Church is a dominant feature of the village. During the Festival of 'The virgin of Canselaria' ('Virgen de La Candelaria',) the usually calm ambience is transformed by the religious fervor of the inhabitants. The streets are filled with traditional dancers, church processions and macho displays of horsemanship. by Graeme Williams Nicaragua, 2003. The village of Diriomo during the Festival of ‘The virgin of Canselaria’ ('Virgin de La Candelaria'). Nicaragua, 2003.  A coffee picking family on the Hacienda farm in the Jinotega region. Nicaragua, 2003. The village of Diriomo during the Festival of ‘The virgin of Canselaria’ ('Virgin de La Candelaria'). Nicaragua, 2003. The village of Diriomo during the Festival of ‘The virgin of Canselaria’ ('Virgin de La Candelaria'). Nicaragua, 2003. Pochomil beachside village. Nicaragua, 2003. The village of Diriomo during the Festival of ‘The virgin of Canselaria’ ('Virgin de La Candelaria'). Nicaragua, 2003. The village of Diriomo during the Festival of ‘The virgin of Canselaria’ ('Virgin de La Candelaria'). Nicaragua, 2003. A farm hand on his horse on the Hacienda farm in the Jinotega region. Nicaragua, 2003. Masachapa beachside village. A school bus. Nicaragua, 2003. Pochomil beachside village. Nicaragua, 2003. Two young coffee pickers on the Hacienda farm in the Jinotega region. Nicaragua, 2003. Cocibolca cemetery. Nicaragua, 2003. The village of Diriomo during the Festival of ‘The virgin of Canselaria’ ('Virgin de La Candelaria'). Nicaragua, 2003. The village of Diriomo during the Festival of ‘The virgin of Canselaria’ ('Virgin de La Candelaria'). Nicaragua, 2003. Pochomil beachside village. Nicaragua, 2003. Pochomil beachside village. Back to current issue