2011 Earthship Pitaya Festival

Once a year on a full moon thousands of people from across the globe congregate in El Carizal, a sustainable community just outside of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, to rock out to a mix of live music and good vibes at the Earthship Pitaya Music Festival. The festival  serves as a platform to feature local artists and inspire children in the community while raising awareness and funding for community outreach projects within El Carizal.

A PITAYA is a tropical fruit more commonly known as Dragonfruit that grows in Central America and Asia. It’s deliciously full of antioxidants, Vitamin C and dietary fiber.

El Carizal is home to Nicaragua’s first Earthship, which is a completely self-sustaining, 100% off-the-grid building made from recycled materials like glass bottles and tires that harvests rainwater and use solar power. El Carizal is also leading the way in community outreach programs and sustainability efforts like a local school, beach clean ups and the “Jam Project” which is a locally owned and operated women’s co-op that makes and sells jam made from organic and locally grown fruit.

“Through our volunteer programs and community outreach projects at El Carizal, we hope to cultivate a disarming mutual respect between visitors and locals thus providing the foundation for lasting friendships within the local community.”

The 2011 Pitaya Festival, which will take place February 18-19, is set to include an amazing music line up and some exciting new events. Headliner Matty Powel is a Canadian singer-song writer know for his powerful voice, potent lyrics and beautiful, simple melodies. He has a large following in San Juan del Sur and this will be his third year preforming at the Pitaya Festival. Other musicians in the lineup include local favorites DJ Johnny G and Don Bigote y los Pobrecitos. Non-music events include a surf contest, a 6K stand-up paddle board race, a run-swim-run on the beach, Yoga, workshops and a kids party.

Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are available if you would like to get involved.

Please visit their website for more information: www.earthshippitayafestival.com