El Tamarindon
by Anne Watcher on Thursday December 5th, 2013 at 9:47am
History of the Spanish conquests of the Americas is full of stories about how they subjected the indigenous people to their ways of life and religion. Here in Nicaragua it is no different.
The part of Leon know as Sultiava is a testament to the strong will of many of these tribes. Cacique (Chief) Adiact tried to live peacefully alongside the Spanish. Ultimately the Spanish rulers wanted more control, and in the early 1600's Adiact and his people revolted. To once again gain control, Cacique Adiact was hung from the branches of a large tamarind tree on April 25, 1614, a sign for all to see who was really in control.
Cacique Adiact is therefore by many considered to be a symbol for the resistance of the indigenous population to foreign occupation.
This plaque on the base of the tree is a remembrance to the brave leader of the Chorotega people. Calle de la Ronda, which marks the border between Leon and native Sultiava, has a park, Parque Adiact, dedicated to this brave leader and his daughter, Xochitl Asalt. She is said to have committed suicide when she learned of her father's death when she returned home from a mission.
Point of Interest: The daughter's name means Flor de Cana.
Sadly due to a lightening strike in 2010, there is only a small remnant of the tree left. However from the base of this 400 + year old tree (maybe 600) new growth is once again sproating.
Directions: Heading west (abajo) from Mercadito (market in Sultiava) - turn left (south or sur) at first street - go straight four blocks - then turn right (derecho) - the memorial with the remnants of the tree, is maybe 25 metres down on the south side (your left).