User:Renniss2/be bold

It’s believed that the Niquiranos were the first people to dwell in the land of Masaya (the Chorotegas had also inhabited these areas). There is evidence of their settlements in small towns like Nindirí, Niquinohomo and Monimbó from before the Spanish Conquest. One of the city’s principle neighborhoods is Monimbó (which in Spanish means “close to the water”) and is located very close to the lagoon. There is documented evidence that in the 6th century, Monimbó had a population of about 250 tributaries.

Pedrarias Davila initiated the conquest of what is now Masaya in 1524 and created the first encomiendas. Since Masaya is located on the main road from Granada to Leon, as well as the road to Panama, it soon developed into an appropriate resting place for travelers. Due to its nice climate and fertile soil, many people were drawn to settling in the city, thus creating the Colonial city of Masaya.

On March 24, 1819, the King of Spain, Fernando VII, granted Masaya the title of “Very Noble and Loyal Village Faithful to San Fernando of Masaya” that you can still read on the city’s coat of arms today. Additionally, the city’s coat of arms says, “Long live the heart of Mary”. On September 2, 1839, Masaya was officially declared a city.

Of all the different indigenous settlements, only Monimbó has conserved its ethnic identity over time.