Honoring Histories – Deep Rooted and Recent By: Leah Katherine Saal

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Today was my first Chilean holiday.  Last year, we were here for July 4^th and were able to share some traditions, so I was particularly anxious to share a Chilean patriotic holiday with my family. May 21 commemorates the War of the Pacific. As a result of the war, Chile increased the size of its country by 1/3 in its defeat of Bolivia and Peru.  A Chilean ship, the Esmeralda, was sunk in the battle and is in Talcahuano’s marina. 

However, in the war, Chile also acquired the Huascar from Peru.  My family traveled to Talcahuano today to see the desfile military (military parade) in honor of the holiday and see the Huascar. 

The Huascar

Hector’s dad was part of the Navy, so I think this day makes him proud to remember him as well.  The parade was great. They did not throw beads, but there were little children dressed as sailors everywhere and lots of festive military bands.  There were also lots of parade food staples like cotton candy, popcorn, and meat on a stick, and there were also some yummy Chilean additions like boiled crabs and fried manhar (dolce de leche).  

Soldiers play in honor of May 21

            

So many people!

 Also in Talcahuano’s marina, we had the chance to see the capsule that pulled the 33 stranded the miners out of the shaft in Copiapo in 2010.  I can’t imagine the worker’s claustrophobia or the happiness the country experienced after working diligently for two months to get the workers to safety.  

The Evacuation Capsule. Note the scale, Sebastian (13) is standing next to it.

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 For lunch, we went to pick up Hector’s mom. Teresa is 79 years old and is a (now retired) public school teacher of 30 years.  Teresa has been studying English at the University of Concepcion for the last 7 years.  Teresa is very sharp, and she laughed as she told me she had class tomorrow, but she had not done her homework.  Homework or not, I hope that I am still able to be life-long language learner at her age.   

Teresa

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We all went to lunch at Caleta de Tumbes, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.  It is a small fishing village overlooking the Isla Queriquina.  Our restaurant, 8.8, was named in memory of the earthquake and tsunami of 2010, which leveled many of the homes and shops of the area.  The pride in the food and the rebuilding efforts is tangible.  As we honored histories today, both national and personal, I hope to remember how Chileans are able to show their pride for their country  and its people- while also maintaining the humbleness that makes them so gracious and warm. On that note, school starts tomorrow; I can’t wait!

Boats at Caleta de Fumbes. Isla Quiriquina in the back.