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(11) 3958-7071Mapuche New Year and Ethnotourism in Chile Part 1
The Mapuches consider this date as the true beginning of a new cycle, since it is when nature renews its energies to start again in spring and is celebrated with various rituals and ceremonies such as vigils, gatherings around the fire, gatherings and good wishes for strength, goodness and wisdom.
This celebration awakens the curiosity to learn more about our native peoples, their particular worldview of the world, their language - Mapudungun in the Mapuche ethnic group - and their traditions. Lake Budi is one of the best places to begin to delve into their customs, as it gives us the opportunity to spend a few days in the company of a Mapuche family, sleep in a real ruca and learn about their daily activities.
But it is not only in Lake Budi that we can get to know the Mapuche culture. Another place is the Pichi Mallay Community Park, which is part of the network of Mapu Lahual indigenous parks located in the Cordillera de la Costa in the commune of Osorno. Here we find millenary larch forests and endemic species such as olivillo and canelo, as well as a large number of unique fauna such as the marsupial monito del monte del monte. As for marine animals, there are chungungos, toninas and sea otters. This park is considered one of the 25 most biologically diverse areas in the world, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Several indigenous communities, especially of the Huillliche ethnic group, still live in the midst of this nature in a self-sustainable way, conserving the environment - especially the larch forests. Thus, while in the park you can count on the help of an expert guide for outdoor activities such as horseback riding, boat rides and learn about the historical and ecological details of the surroundings. They even have rukas that are libraries of free access for tourists, with information about the place and its people. This network of indigenous parks covers a coastline of approximately 32 kilometers, from the commune of San Juan de la Costa, Río Negro and Purranque- within the province of Osorno. One of the most attractive places to visit is Bahía Mansa, surrounded by Valdivian forest, as well as a beautiful white sand beach, just like Maicolpue. Here you can observe coastal animals such as sea lions, otters and seals, as well as other activities such as sport fishing for silversides and saws. The area also has a variety of services such as lodging, camping areas and kitchens where you can enjoy its famous seafood and cheese empanadas.
Another place to learn about Mapuche traditions and customs is the commune of Contulmo, in the Bío Bío Region, located on the shores of Lake Lanalhue. Here we can find 5 Mapuche Lafkenche communities that live in the Elicura Valley. Here the communities offer the possibility of staying in fully equipped cabins, which also include relaxation and beauty treatments based on Mapuche herbs. You can also taste their typical gastronomy, such as kneaded bread, tortillas in the ashes for breakfast and other traditional dishes. In the area there are trekking routes to walk, craft stores with self-made items such as looms, sheep wool fabrics with natural dyes and jams with fruits of the area, among others.
In this area you can participate in various ceremonies and traditional celebrations, including the Mapuche New Year. The communities preserve their ancient customs such as living in rucas with a fire in the middle of the building that maintains the temperature in the place in addition to congregate its inhabitants to eat and talk. Games such as palín are played and traditional instruments such as the trompe and kultrún are played. If you want to know more routes to discover the Mapuche traditions, we will continue this journey in the next blog post.
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