Successful heritage gathering takes place in Lota
Last Tuesday, October 17th, within the framework of the IV International and Interdisciplinary Congress on Cultural Heritage, thanks to the funding from the Regional Government of Biobío, the Creasur Cultural Center had the honor of hosting distinguished heritage experts from Chile and around the world in Lota, Biobío Region. The day was filled with enriching activities that highlighted the cultural legacy of the mining city and left all participants astonished.
The visit commenced with a warm welcome from the mayor of the municipality, Mr Patricio Marchant Ulloa, who emphasized the historical significance of Lota throughout our country’s industrial history. He also underscored the intangible value that the community itself represents for heritage rescue processes.
The day continued with an exciting guided tour of the iconic “Chiflón del Diablo” coal mine, where participants explored its main underground galleries at depths of over 800 meters. After the expedition, visitors had the opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast featuring typical cuisine, including the renowned “miner’s bread,” a delicacy originating from Lotan families that remains a staple in their kitchens.
During this time, the “Friends of Folklore” group delighted attendees with excerpts from their work titled “Rescue of a Miner’s Memory”, a compilation of stories and tales from the coal mining region. Directed by Eduardo Parada and performed by former miners, miners’ daughters, and miners’ wives.
All of the above took place in the “Mining Village,” a settlement located within the mine itself, which replicates typical 19th-century pavilions where mining families lived. As a curious fact, it was used as part of the set for the filming of the Chilean movie Sub Terra in 2003.
Next, three different heritage sites in the municipality were visited. Firstly, the Chambeque Sector, located on the city’s coast, which includes old buildings and infrastructure associated with coal extraction, serving as the nerve center of the industrial process during the golden years of the National Coal Company. Secondly, a group of experts moved to the Isidora Cousiño de Lota Park, a historical monument since 2009, offering beautiful gardens, sculptures, and artworks brought to Lota from around the world. It was built in 1862 by request of Luis Cousiño Squella, a Chilean politician and philanthropist. Finally, the Chivilingo Hydroelectric Plant, designed by Thomas Alba Edison and inaugurated in 1897 as part of the Lota Coal Mining Company. Thus becoming the country’s first hydroelectric power plant and the second in all of South America.
Subsequently, Elizabeth Aguilera, María Dolores Muñoz, María Isabel López, and Pamela Uriarte, distinguished women experts in the heritage and culture of Lota, had minutes to present to the guests about the local reality regarding the rescue and valorization of the cultural and industrial heritage of the area, at the Community Cultural Center Monument Historic Pavilion 83.
To end the day, the Lota Theater became a vibrant stage for various artistic activities that captivated all present. Yován Camará, a local musician, presented his work inspired by his experiences as a miner’s son and thrilled the audience with his beautiful songs. Similarly, the “Manos de Lota” collective, a group of artisans seeking to portray mining identity through engravings, weavings, paintings, jewelry, and crafts, offered a display of their products that allowed the audience to immerse even further into Lotan culture.
The Creasur Cultural Center is proud to have been part of this unforgettable day celebrating Lota’s cultural heritage and promoting international knowledge exchange. We hope to continue being a meeting space for such significant events in the future.
We extend our gratitude to all participants, speakers, artists, and collaborators for making this successful encounter of the IV International and Interdisciplinary Congress on Cultural Heritage possible.
