Traditional festivities in Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins region, Chile: Traditions, gastronomy and religiosity at the center of the party

Abstract

The main traditional festivities that took place in Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins Region, Chile, are presented and detailed, approaching them as expressions of the intangible cultural heritage of the communities that give them life. The traditional festivities were extracted from the written press of the region (1849-2016) and selected under the criteria of validity at present. These festivals have at least one of the following themes as their central axis: traditional activities in the area, typical gastronomy, and expressions of religiosity. These are analyzed within the historical context in which they emerged, since it seeks to demonstrate its symbiotic relationship with the local culture of origin. Finally, it offers a critical look at traditional festivities and the challenges they face today.