About fifteen celebrations to enjoy with the family, organized by fishing communities, with the support of municipalities and the "Fiestas del Mar" competitive fund of Indespa.
To rescue the deepest traditions of the coastline, various coves and coastal localities are preparing to bring to life a new season of traditional festivals, which combine the ancestral craft of artisanal fishing with marine cuisine, music and culture, consolidating themselves as the most important festivals on the coast in summer.
About fifteen celebrations make up an unmissable route to enjoy with the family from January, organized by fishing communities and supported by municipalities, private contributions and the competitive fund Fiestas del Mar of Indespa (National Institute for the Sustainable Development of Artisanal Fishing and Small-Scale Aquaculture), which grants three million pesos to each selected event.
Leonardo Llanos, national director of Indespa, highlighted that these festivals are the heart of fishing communities every summer, bringing the community together around coastal identity, traditions and sea flavours. "At Indespa we support their development because they represent an important impact on the consumption of seafood products, tourism and the coastal economy, as well as rescuing the marine wealth, its products and the professions of fishermen, women fishermen, divers, shellfish gatherers and aquaculturists" small scale"
Festival Route
In the cove Torres del Inca of Chañaral, Atacama Region, the Sea Urchin Festival (20 January) celebrates the main local extraction resource at a family event, with local initiatives, children's activities, music and a free tasting of sea urchin. Also in the commune, the cove Flamenco, celebrates the unmissable Fiesta del Dorado (14 February), that for seven summers celebrates the landing of this fish of height, uniting local enterprises and gastronomic contests in the spa.
In the commune of Freirina, the Caleta Los Burros Sur commemorates for the second year the Fiesta del Salpicón Marino (28 February), typical and refreshing preparation that summarizes the taste of the coast of Atacameño with cooked lapas, potatoes, onion and fresh cilantro.
In the Coquimbo Region, the Costumbrist Festival of Puerto Aldea (14-15 February), gathers women and men from artisanal fishing that give life to different local dishes, such as fried fish, tartaro de chocha and mariscals, among others, together with live music and folklore.
In the Valparaíso Region, the fishermen of the Puertecito de San Antonio cove gather visitors in the fishing auction to celebrate the Feast of the hake (7 February), with the elaboration and tasting of the traditional fried hake sandwich.
In the region of O’Higgins, the town of La Vega de Pupuya at Christmas, stands out with the picturesque Feast of the Piure Roast (14 February)), which recognizes the work of the local union's sea divers, tasting this grilled sea delicacy.
In the Maule Region, the Gastronomic Festival of the Port of Maguillines (February) is taken the coastal edge of Constitución, with typical cuisine such as fish, seafood and algae, along with live music and family activities. In the Biobío Region, the Fiesta del Pescado y Pan Amasado (February), it looks on the coast of the El Morro Caleta in Lota, with various preparations.
Further south, in the Region of La Araucanía, the commune of Carahue kept alive thirty years ago the tradition of Nehuentue Costumbrist Festival (30 January to 1 February)where fishermen, artisans and local communities converge on three days of popular games and gastronomy on the Lafkenche coast.
In the same commune, La Chorada Más Grande de Chile (28 February) It is another gastronomic tradition of Nehuentue fifteen years ago. Fishermen, divers and fish farmers celebrate their star resource: the Malton choro, preparing more than a ton of steamed choros along with other traditional foods, such as seafood empanadas, soupipillas and choritos in green sauce. Five thousand free portions are distributed to attendees.
In the Caleta Boniface of Valdivia, Region of Los Ríos, fishermen and their families give life to the Bonifacio Costumbrist Festival (10 January to 28 February), preparing various typical dishes with fresh fish and seafood, extracted by fishermen, as well as crafts, music and games.
The Los Lagos Region is characterized by these popular celebrations every summer and Calbuco is one of them. The Festival del Mar (7 and 8 February), on the dock of the La Vega cove, pays tribute to the marine tasks and chooses the "Kings of the Sea". The festival offers unique dishes from the area and folkloric presentations that fill the sector with life.
In the Mansa Bay cove, Sea Week (11-14 February) becomes the scene of diving and fishing competitions of the largest fish. The women of artisanal fishing lead the kitchen live, in the midst of music and local singers.
In Maullin, the Alguero meeting (15 February) organized by the union Estrella del Mar honors the cultivation of the hair, an activity led mainly by women who share experiences, samples of historical photographs and tastings.
The Fiesta Mar y Tierra de la Pampina (third week in February), between the towns of Estaquilla and Playa Hua Huar, it combines the flavors of the countryside and the sea, with dishes ranging from the curanto and crazy to traditional roasts, on a day of music and culture.
Finally, in Quinchao, Chiloé, the Fiesta Costumbrista Rural Communities (7 March), in the Czech Republic celebrates the end of the season of harvesting algae, with a curanto to the hole and pot, empanadas, casseroles and other typical dishes, along with folk music.
