On December 23, 1972 CE, a powerful earthquake, estimated at magnitude 6.2, struck the capital city of Managua in Nicaragua, killing over 6,000 people and causing widespread destruction. The disaster was a major blow to the country and led to significant international aid efforts. The earthquake is a key event in the history of Nicaragua.

The 1972 Managua earthquake inspired a wave of Nicaraguan poetry and literature that explored the trauma and resilience of the people. The event is a significant theme in the literature of Nicaragua, where it is used to reflect on the country's political and social struggles. The earthquake is a key event in the history of Central American literature, often used as a symbol of suffering and hope.