Community fairs and the reinvention of the community in Wallmapu

Abstract

The socio-environmental stress experienced in the 2000s led rural Mapuche communities in Chile to protect their territories. While facing the expansion of agricultural, forestry and tourist markets, local fairs and celebrations appear as alternatives to the threatened livelihoods. The emergency of fairs coincides with the intensification of indigenous demands for recognition and increased environmental conflicts. In Los Ríos Region, the Cherry Festival, the Diweñe Festival, and the Kiñe Newen Mapu fair are three parallel stories. They trace their origins to the Mapuche resistance against environmental contamination, land spoliation, and defense against a hydroelectric power plant’s construction. In interacting with public agencies, private actors, the market, and territorial coalitions, these stories contrast the different ways of enunciating local identities through fairs and festivals.