by Marvin Ramírez
With a live marimba and the sound of the Monimbó and the garañon, musical emblems of Nicaraguan folklore, the body of Mario Jorge Palacios Alvarado—known as Mario Palacios—was carried to heaven in his coffin, placed in the crypt of Cypress Cemetery in Colma. The ceremony was a tribute to his life, marked by music, faith, baseball, and community.
Mario Palacios passed away on June 2, 2025, at the age of 84, following health complications aggravated by Alzheimer’s. Born on July 11, 1940, in Nicaragua, he left a deep mark on the Nicaraguan diaspora in San Francisco, especially among the generations who arrived between the 1960s and 1970s.
He was a multifaceted figure: a fervent Catholic and, for years, the organizer of the traditional Men’s Procession, Viva Cristo Rey, a celebration originating in his native Nicaragua that he managed to replicate here in the neighborhood. His voice echoed through the loudspeaker during the procession: “Let us sing to the Love of Loves, let us sing to the Lord. God is here, come, let us adore Christ the Redeemer.”
In the years when his health permitted, his presence was constant. Although this procession was canceled—according to his daughter Yuffita, due to internal conflicts—his spirit and memory live on in the community’s memory.
A passionate baseball fan, Mario cultivated friendships with great Nicaraguan baseball players and boxing figures. At his funeral, dozens of photographs with baseball legends decorated the room where he lay in state, surrounded by friends and admirers who came to bid him farewell with affection.
However, his most lasting legacy was his radio show, Aquí Nicaragua, which he hosted for 45 years on La Grande 1010 AM KIQI in San Francisco, and which closed a year ago. With a warm voice and enthusiasm, he broadcast Nicaraguan music, congratulations, and other events weekly. Family greetings and memories of the homeland. It was a beloved space for the community, where immigrants found a echo of their nostalgia and a bridge to their roots. His connection, especially among older Nicaraguans, remained faithful until his final days on the air.
The news of his death was first shared on social media, and although it was released early in the month, his burial took place weeks later. The ceremony, held amid traditional marimba, country guitar, and songs, was as emotional as it was festive. “It wasn’t a sad farewell, but a celebration of life,” commented several of those present. As the coffin was carried to its final resting place, the music continued, in a gesture that combined mourning with the joy of having shared life with such a significant man.
“It was a day that left a void,” commented a close friend, “but also a legacy that continues to resonate among those who heard and knew him. It’s not until a person passes away that one realizes how much he meant.” That’s life.”
Carlos Solórzano, president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, also expressed his sorrow for Palacios’s loss: “Don Mario was a true icon of our community. His voice and his love for Nicaragua accompanied us for decades. He was a bridge between generations and a defender of our roots. His passing leaves a void, but he also leaves us with an example of a life dedicated to service and culture.”
Solórzano was accompanied by Chamber of Commerce members Frank Ayala and Alex Maltez.
Mario Palacios is survived by two children, Mario and Yuffita, his sister Acuzena and eight grandchildren. His wife, Yuffa Palacios, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage,
Long-standing sponsors of the program are expected to continue supporting the program.
El Reportero newspaper and its editor, Marvin Ramírez, offer their sincere condolences to the grieving family.
