More than 6 Thousand People Participated in the First Version of Filzic in San Pedro de Atacama

The four-day literature, art and heritage event concluded with a lecture by Hernán Rivera Letelier, winner of the National Literature Prize 2022, as part of the first version of Filzic held in the district. With the release of his latest novel “Hombres que llegan a un Pueblo” (“Men Arriving to a Town”) filling the central stage at the fair held in the square of San Pedro de Atacama, the distinguished writer closed the successful cultural festival.

“I think this fair here in San Pedro de Atacama is beautiful. It is very good for the town. I hope the readers have enjoyed this conversation, this good talk, and I am grateful to have you with me. Culture must be taken to the most remote places. That’s why having the fair is already an achievement in itself. Hopefully Filzic will reach more towns,” said Rivera Letelier in a literary conversation that later led to a crowded book signing at the Filzic Librería stand, confirming the public’s affection for the writer and novelist, author of “La Reina Isabel Cantaba Rancheras.”

The last day of the event also featured professor and writer Eva Siares, who launched her book “Catarpe esencia del pasado” (Catarpe, Essence of the Past), which spotlights the present heritage of Atacama La Grande.

“My goal is to write the history of the Atacama people, especially of San Pedro Atacama, which is a thousand-year-old town. That is why all the books I have written are dedicated to future generations, so that this story does not fall into oblivion. The streets, the houses, trees, farming, everything has its history and it is nice to highlight its importance so it lasts. I hope the fair continues to take place and I am happy to collaborate with my books,” said Eva Siares.

Along this same line, cultural expert Ilia Reyes led the discussion “Milestones in the History of the Kunza Language in Academic Processes,” and also performed traditional music in this language.

“I think it is relevant. These spaces are transcendental because our Kunza language is always hidden and academia insists on affirming that it is dead, that it is extinct, but we are the ones who decide if it is dead or not, because in our communities the language has always been present, the language has never disappeared. We Atacameños are here and we have our essence, so we are very grateful to the fair for inviting us,” remarked Ilia Reyes.

Music and magic

Among the artistic numbers that stood out last Saturday were a magic show by Razzo Magia, a presentation from La Banda de Cantando aprendo hablar, urban singer Samu Baby Music and cumbia and pachanga from the Antofagasta group “Son de Calle”, who made everyone dance to close out the four-day event.

Positive reviews

At the conclusion of the activities, the fair organizers (Filzic Cultural Platform), expressed appreciation for the positive response from those who participated in the literary and artistic activities throughout these four days. They also thanked the national and regional writers, guest artists, the municipality, SQM and all the fair exhibitors for their commitment to this first version.

They remarked that the challenge now is to incorporate opportunities for improvement in order for the next edition to be in tune with the community and attract a good crowd.

Javier Silva, Filzic’s presenter in San Pedro de Atacama and Sustainability and Community Engagement Manager for SQM Salar, highlighted the opportunity to bring reading closer to local children and to support entrepreneurs.

“We are very proud to be able to create a regional event that spotlights the importance of the heritage and culture of San Pedro de Atacama. Furthermore, because as part of Filzic we were able to present two very important programs for the various towns in the area, which are Casa Telar and AMA (Alliance for the Atacameña Women), a program that empowers local women in various areas,” added the executive.

This concludes four days of literature, theater, music, art, heritage and entrepreneurship. According to the organization, it brought together more than 6,000 residents and visitors, giving life to the most important multicultural event in northern Chile, which celebrates its 13thanniversary in 2023.

The first version of Filzic in San Pedro de Atacama was presented by SQM in collaboration with the Municipality of San Pedro de Atacama.