History

The Order of José de Marcoleta was instituted in Nicaragua in 1947 under Somoza's dynasty. It was modified in 1986 during the civil war, and it became the highest order for achievements in diplomacy and international relations within the country.

It is conferred upon those who have promoted peace, international friendship, and have defensed Nicaragua's sovereignty and territory. The country's diplomatic officer may receive the Order after twenty-five years of services, and foreign diplomats may receive it on basis of reciprocity.

The current grades are the Collar, Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Knight.

The Order was named in honor of José de Marcoleta y de Casaus (1802-1841), a Spanish-born diplomat who represented Nicaragua in the court of Napoleon III regarding to the Mosquito Coast crisis of 1848, where he protected Nicaragua's territory.

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