In Photos: Patron saint celebrations in Nicaragua

The festival has its roots in the 1885 discovery of the 8-centimeter (a little over 3-inch) statue of Santo Domingo de Guzman — also known as St. Dominic de Guzman, the founder of the Dominican religious order. (Photos: AP)

A bucked rider is dragged to safety during a bull riding event on the eve of the annual Santo Domingo festival

A resident is bucked off a bull during a bull riding event on the eve of the annual Santo Domingo festival.

A resident rides a bull on the eve of the annual Santo Domingo festival, in Managua, Nicaragua.

A youth holds up a statue of Santo Domingo de Guzman inside Las Sierritas church during Mass in honor of the saint in Managua, Nicaragua.

People crawl on their knees inside Las Sierritas church during a Mass where “promisers” celebrate Santo Domingo de Guzman in Managua.

A "promiser" dances inside Las Sierritas church during Mass in honor of Santo Domingo de Guzman in Managua, Nicaragua.

A small statue of Santo Domingo de Guzman sits on an altar during Mass in honor of the saint in Managua, Nicaragua. The festival has its roots in the 1885 discovery of the 8-centimeter (a little over 3-inch) statue of Santo Domingo de Guzman — also known as St. Dominic de Guzman, the founder of the Dominican religious order.