By Paulo Urrutia
Photos by Germán Weber and Felipe Zanotti
Kicking off the 2025 national river festival circuit in Chile, the Palena River Festival was held Saturday, February 15th, in an event organized by local government officials in Alto Palena in collaboration with citizen groups Bestias del Sur Salvaje and Mujeres de Río. The festival aims to raise awareness in the community about the importance of conserving the environment and the vital role that the Palena River has in their daily lives.
With more than 50 residents participating, the day was an opportunity to reconnect with nature and strengthen local culture around the river. Next year, event organizers aim to involve 10% of the population and the goal is to reach 50% in the coming years.
The paddling journey, which covered the stretch between Alto Palena and the El Tranquilo sector, was notable not only for the scenic beauty of the river, but what it represents for the local identity of the people who live in this community. During the day's activities, conservation initiatives were also discussed and promoted, such as establishing water flow reserves for the Palena, Yelcho and Futaleufú rivers, and the proposal for a Multiple Use Conservation Area (ACMU), a community management model for protecting the natural environment.
Bestias del Sur Salvaje and Mujeres de Río in particular collaborated to ensure that the experience was safe and unforgettable, emphasizing the notion that “you can't protect what you do not know.” Along with sharing fun stories, laughter, and incredible homemade bread, the day concluded with traditional barbecued lamb and dancing to chamamé.
Below, some photos from this year's wonderful festival:
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