A traditional ceremony in the cold waters of the Pilmaiquen River marked the highlight of We Tripantü celebrations in southern Chile, one of the most important religious observances for indigenous communities in the region.
The multiday celebration, which culminated with ritual immersion in the fast-flowing river, brought together members of the Mapuche community to honor their cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. The Associated Press reporters Giovanna Dell’Orto and Rodrigo Abd documented the ceremonies, providing a glimpse into this significant cultural event.
The Significance of We Tripantü
We Tripantü represents the Mapuche New Year, typically observed during the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. The celebration marks the renewal of life and the beginning of a new annual cycle, when days start to grow longer after the longest night of the year.
For the Mapuche people, Chile’s largest indigenous group, this period symbolizes the rebirth of nature and provides an opportunity to strengthen community bonds through shared rituals and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
The ceremonial bathing in the Pilmaiquen River holds particular importance, as water is considered a purifying element that washes away negative energies from the previous year and prepares participants for the new cycle ahead.
Cultural Preservation Amid Modern Challenges
The celebration of We Tripantü takes place against a backdrop of ongoing tensions between indigenous communities and the Chilean state. Many Mapuche communities continue to fight for recognition of their ancestral lands and the right to practice their traditions freely.
The Pilmaiquen River itself has been at the center of environmental disputes, with indigenous communities opposing hydroelectric projects they claim threaten both the natural environment and sacred sites essential to their cultural practices.
“These waters connect us to our ancestors,” explained one participant in the ceremony. “When we immerse ourselves in the river, we’re not just cleansing our bodies but maintaining a living connection to our history and identity.”
Rituals and Celebrations
The We Tripantü celebrations include several key elements:
- Ceremonial prayers led by spiritual leaders known as machis
- Traditional music played on instruments like the trutruka and kultrun
- Sharing of special foods prepared for the occasion
- The ritual bath in natural waters at dawn
Before the river immersion, participants gather around sacred fires that are kept burning throughout the night. These fires symbolize the sun’s rebirth and provide warmth during the cold winter night as community members share stories, music, and dance.
“We stay awake to greet the new sun. This is how we show respect for the cycles of nature that govern our lives,” said one community elder who helped organize the ceremonies.
Growing Recognition
In recent years, We Tripantü has gained increased visibility in Chilean society. Some schools and public institutions now acknowledge the celebration, reflecting a gradual shift toward greater recognition of the country’s indigenous heritage.
However, many Mapuche leaders stress that true respect for their culture requires more than symbolic gestures. They continue to advocate for constitutional recognition, territorial rights, and protection of sacred natural spaces like the Pilmaiquen River.
The ceremonies observed by Dell’Orto and Abd highlight the resilience of Mapuche cultural practices despite centuries of pressure to assimilate into mainstream Chilean society. For many participants, the annual celebration represents both a connection to their roots and an assertion of their continuing presence and identity.
As the first rays of the new sun appeared over the horizon, those who had immersed themselves in the Pilmaiquen emerged from its waters, completing a cycle of renewal that has been observed in these lands since long before the arrival of European settlers.
The We Tripantü celebrations serve as a reminder of Chile’s cultural diversity and the ongoing efforts of indigenous communities to maintain their unique traditions while navigating the complexities of modern society.
