A Culture Linked to
the Sea and Land
Patagonia Costa is a place where the connection to the sea is an ancestral way of life, preserved to this day in traditions and customs.
Boat carpentry is a craft still maintained in places like Calbuco, true to a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.
The basketry in vegetable fibers from the rural territories of Ilque and Huelmo (Calbuco), and the textile tradition of the coastal localities along the Austral Road were recognized by the World Crafts Council as Craft Cities of the World.
In addition, important religious festivals are celebrated with a coastal seal, including the massive Feast of Candelaria.
Traditional Boat Carpentry in the Los Lagos Region
Boat carpentry has been part of the Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Chile since 2020.
Boat carpentry involves the construction of wooden boats using artisanal building techniques, from various sources and eras, whose intergenerational transmission has occurred and is perpetuated through orality and shared practice.
According to the survey conducted as part of the participatory research in the safeguarding process of Boat Carpentry, 137 individual practitioners and one active collective practitioner were identified: the Association of Boat Carpenters of the Blue Waters,from the Commune of Calbuco.
Boat carpentry is a long-standing craft and is a central component in the cultural identity of Los Lagos. They are custodians of inherited knowledge, that delves into nature, wood, its transformation, resistance, and buoyancy.
This knowledge has endured over time thanks to carpenters who, despite all adversities, have persisted in maintaining the material bases of self-sustainable navigation typical of the archipelago's inhabitants.
In this effort, the ancient knowledge has evolved, adapting to new needs. It has been, therefore, a continuity of generations of carpenters who, through uninterrupted practice, have learned, transmitted, and transformed this knowledge.
Source: National Heritage Service
Photo: Blue Waters Shore Carpenters
Artisans' Route
This route aims to enhance the value of the territory and the artisans who were part of the recognition as “Craft Cities of the World,”, by the World Craft Council.
A jury from Europe and Latin America recognized the weaving tradition of basketry in vegetable fibers from Ilque and Huelmo, and the textile tradition of the coastal localities along the Austral Road..
Thus, these localities joined Chimbarongo, Rari, Liquiñe, and Doñihue in Chile in receiving this distinction, and in the southernmost territory in the world to be recognized as such.
Calbuco's Festival of Lights
This religious celebration dates back to colonial times and takes place on the night of September 28th, on the eve of Saint Michael the Archangel's feast day.During the festival, the inhabitants of Calbuco and its islands burn large piles of coligüe that illuminate the entire archipelago, while lighting candles and hanging lanterns at the front of their homes.
Additionally, a mass and a nighttime procession are held through the center of Calbuco, which can be observed by both devotees and tourists from the various levels of the Dawn Terraces.
Festival of Our Lady of Candelaria of Carelmapu
Celebrated on February 1st and 2nd, this religious festival honors Our Lady of Candelaria, the protector of this fishing village since its founding. The so-called "procession on the sea" marks the beginning of the celebrations, during which the images of La Candelaria and Saint Peter are paraded across the bay of Carelmapu, part of the Maullín commune.
It is a striking nocturnal spectacle filled with lights and accompanied by religious chants.
With the first rays of sunlight the next day, the traditional "Misa del Alba" is celebrated from the heights of the San Pedro Viewpoint. This is the first of many Eucharistic celebrations held throughout the final day, culminating in a grand procession through the streets of Carelmapu.
The Candelaria festival in Carelmapu is the main religious celebration in southern Chile.
Créditos foto: Iglesia.cl
