Tag Archives: Luciernagas

Nimitas

Las Nimitas, Luciérnagas and Bichos de Luz

Nimitas, or Fireflies, are the souls of the dead watching out for their loved ones still living.

Interpretation of las Nimitas by Artist-Illustrator Ray Wu
Interpretation of las Nimitas by Artist-Illustrator Ray Wu

Nimitas, or Fireflies, are a very common sight in the country around the open fields in the Dominican Republic. The males have a bright tail light that flashes hoping to get a return flash saying that the female is interested in getting to know him.

Las Nimitas, Luciérnagas and Bichos de Luz are known as Fireflies or Lightning Bugs. Dominican superstition says that the Nimitas are the souls of the dead who are watching out for their loved ones still living. They shine their light reminding all who see that they are there always there….watching.

Fireflies are also called Cocuyo which is a Taino Indian word.