National indigenous peoples day
On June 20th, Chile celebrated its National Day of Indigenous Peoples. This celebration, established as a national holiday in 2021, recognizes the importance of the worldviews, traditions, and customs of the diverse peoples that comprise our country.
Officially, there are 11 recognized indigenous peoples in our country: Aymara, Atacameños, Quechuas, Collas, Changos, Diaguitas, Rapa Nui, Mapuche, Kawésqar, Selk'nam, and Yaganes. Each of these peoples considers nature a fundamental element in the development of their communities. For many, the winter solstice marks the beginning of a new cycle and the renewal of life. Each indigenous group has its own name for this event and its own traditions to welcome the new cycle.
We Tripantu (We Txipantü or Wiñol Txipantü): For the Mapuche people, this celebration is primarily marked by the lunar cycle, which controls nature, rainfall, and plant and animal life. The beginning of the new cycle represents one of the most important traditions for this group, celebrated with various rituals, dances, meals, and games.
Inti Raymi: This is the Quechua celebration of the new cycle, symbolizing the return of the sun. In ancient times, in the Inca Empire, the god Inti (Sun) was welcomed by his people to mark the beginning of a new cycle of life and abundance for their communities.
Aringa Ora or Koro: In this ceremony of the Rapa Nui people, ancestors are honored at the Ahu (ceremonial altars), and prayers are offered for fertility and balance in nature.
For each indigenous community in Chile, these ceremonies represent the most important moments in their development. The Chilean state has recognized the importance of these traditions, as these peoples are deeply integrated into contemporary society. However, it is important to acknowledge that these celebrations should also be opportunities for greater recognition and respect for the ancestral traditions of indigenous peoples in our country. They should raise awareness about the social issues faced by these communities due to existing inequalities.
On days like these, the message is to value and recognize the importance of our indigenous peoples and their relevance to the identity of our country.
