Santiago a Mil...and learning Chilean history

It was quite the scene for open air theatre...in fact...it was more than theatre. Here in Santiago the month of January is awesome because there are various forms of art on display...in all parts of the city...and in very different themes. (And many are free.) We have been fortunate to attend a few. The first one we attended took place behind "La Moneda" or the White House of Chile. It was a theatrical producation based on the Mapuche Conflict.

As wikipedia explains...Mapuche Conflict is a collective name for the revival and reorganization of Mapuche communities for greater autonomy, recognition of rights and the recovery of land since the Chilean transition to democracy. The Mapuche conflict is a phenomenon mainly from Chile, but also from neighboring areas of Argentina. Demands revolve mainly around three themes: jurisdictional autonomy, return of ancestral lands and cultural identity. Recent private property occupation by Mapuche groups and clashes with the Carabineros have deepened the conflict.

Our friend Rodolfo joined us that evening. That is the back side of La Moneda. It is pretty awesome that in one week of living in Santiago...we have crossed paths with La Moneda several times. I have still never been to the US White House. Hmm. (Later on he took us to a very fancy mall in Las Condes where a fashion show was taking place. We were celebrating his new job position using his English skills as a Financial Reporter to London...congrats Rodolfo!. We ate at a fun Crepe & Waffle type restaurant...yum.)

Lots of people showed up...it was very interesting. Many came to support the Mapuches in their cause. Chile has conflict with their Native Indians just as the US does. I don't know much about either conflict...but I have the desire to learn more now.

I think this girl is from a Mapuche family...the whole family to the side of us was chanting the song at the end of the theatrical production. She wrapped the flag around her and joined the huge crowd in front of us. The play itself was quite strong...with war type scenes and the "white" guy killed by rope in the end. What would the world be like without conflict?