MASAYA

city, southwestern Nicaragua, at the eastern foot of Masaya Volcano, just east of the small Lake Masaya in the rift valley between Lakes Nicaragua and Managua. Masaya serves as a commercial and manufacturing centre for the rich agricultural hinterland. The large Indian population is known for its handicraft industries and festivals; other manufactures include rope, hammocks, palm hats, jams, and cassava starch. Masaya is accessible by highway and railroad from Managua, the national capital, and Granada city. It was a scene of heavy fighting between the Sandinista guerrillas and government troops in 197879, leaving much of the centre of the city in ruins. Pop. (1985 est.) 74,946.