Culture
Chilean Culture
Roberto Matta`s paintings (1911-2002), source: Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.
Today’s Chilean culture differs from folk culture and it is more than just a mixture of indigenous and Spanish heritage.
In the 19th century,
strong influences from other parts of Europe, particularly France, were
added such that Chile 's European heritage is pervasive. For centuries, the
Paris education of many Chilean intellectuals influenced the country's art,
music and architecture. Important art galleries, museums and a thriving theatre
scene are the result. The country's art, literature and music have been influential
internationally. Chile has spawned the Nobel Prize-winning poets Gabriela
Mistral and Pablo Neruda and, until the military coup of 1973, its cinema
was among the most experimental in Latin America. Folk music has been an
especially important outlet for the country's oppressed, and was frequently
performed overseas by exiles during Pinochet's reign.
Over 80% of the population is Roman Catholic, though evangelical Protestantism is becoming increasingly popular. The country's Catholic architecture is impressive and ubiquitous, from grandiose colonial churches to roadside shrines, some of which are extraordinary manifestations of folk art.
Spanish is Chile 's official language, though a handful of native languages are still spoken somewhere. In the north, there are more than 20,000 speakers of Aymara, and in the south there are perhaps half a million speakers of Mapuche. The most intriguing linguistic minority is the 2000-plus speakers of Rapa Nui, the Polynesian language of most of Easter Island 's population.
Chile 's cuisine reflects the country's topographical variety, and features seafood, beef, fresh fruit and vegetables. Empanadas are large turnover snacks with a variety of fillings; humitas are corn tamales; and there are a variety of potato and flour-based breads. Chile 's biggest standard meal is bife a lo pobre - an enormous slab of beef topped with two fried eggs and buried in chips. The parillada, which will offend vegetarians and heart specialists, is a mixed grill including such delicacies as intestines, udders and blood sausages. Curanto, one of the nation's finest dishes, is an all-encompassing, hearty stew of fish, shellfish, chicken, pork, lamb, beef and potato. Chilean wines are arguably South America 's best.
Cultural Explosion
Since 1990, the successive Concertación (coalition) administrations have made a particular effort to foster culture, reverse the paternalistic function of the State and returned to it the role of guarantor of freedom of expression. Accessibility to culture has been increased, while artistic creation and knowledge of Chilean heritage have been encouraged.
The administration began by building the foundations of a cultural policy. In October 2000, in order to remedy this problem, the president submitted to Congress a draft law creating the National Council for Culture and the Arts, and the National Fund for Cultural Development. It was unanimously approved on June 4, 2003 , and the law was promulgated on July 30, in Valparaíso.
As an autonomous public service, the Council has legal status and its own
assets. The Chairperson has ministerial rank. It offices are located in Valparaíso,
known as the ‘cultural capital’ of Chile , and it operates regional
councils with the active participation of a wide range of individuals and
organisations.
The current commitment to culture has been reflected in some oncrete measures. For example, La Moneda (the Presidential Palace) was open to the public. This was followed by the creation of a Cultural Heritage day, when a number of public buildings, ministries, embassies, organisations, museums, the Teatro Municipal and the Military Academy may be visited.
Other activities include the Fiesta de la Cultura (Cultural Festival), the Muestra de Dramaturgia (Drama Festival), Carnavales de Valparaíso, poetry readings, theatre festivals, and Book, Cinema and Dance Days.
Artists, cultural organisers, intellectuals, academics, and community delegates attend National Cultural Discussions, to put forward and review proposals for action.
Cultural divulgation links:
Ministry of Culture
www.consejodelacultura.cl
Monuments y national patrimony
www.monumentos.cl
Chile Cultural Patrimony Corporation
www.nuestro.cl
Culture Chile Net
www.culturachile.cl
Culture and native traditions of Chile
www.serindigena.cl
Dirección de Bibliotecas, Archivos y Museos (DIBAM)
www.dibam.cl
Traditional folkloric activities
www.folklore.cl
Chilean plastic artists (Collection del Museo de Bellas Arts)
www.artistasplasticoschilenos.cl/
Oficinas salitreras del norte de Chile
www.albumdesierto.cl
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
www.mnba.cl
Comisión Bicentenario
www.chilebicentenario.cl
Professional Folklore and guitar-people Trade Union
www.folkloristasdechile.cl
Portal del Arte
www.portaldearte.cl
Sculptures of Rebeca Matte and Virginio Arias, source: Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.
Last updated: April 8, 2006