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Photo: Felipe ZanottiThe second edition of the "Mi Voz se Expande en la Patagonia" festival, this September 27 in Palena, Chile, features music from local children and this year the festival will also support the protection of the Yelcho and Palena rivers.
By Paulo Urrutia
In remote Patagonia, mountains touch the sky and rivers trace their course through virgin landscapes. A 12-hour boat trip on the Gulf of Corcovado, followed by a four-hour drive along the iconic Route 7, or “Carretera Austral,” connects the southern Chilean town of Palena with the Los Lagos Region's capital, Puerto Montt. This trip is just a prelude to the experience that awaits you on the other side.
With the warmth of burning firewood and a loving smile, we are welcomed by Adriela, one of the cooks at the “La Cascada” school in the El Tranquilo sector of Palena. To get here, you have to cross the impressive Palena River in a small boat that only operates at certain hours. On the other side, a quiet bubble of friendly warmth and stories.
With the warmth of burning firewood and a loving smile, we are welcomed by Adriela, one of the cooks at the “La Cascada” school in the El Tranquilo sector of Palena. To get here, you have to cross the impressive Palena River in a small boat that only operates at certain hours. On the other side, a quiet bubble of friendly warmth and stories.
A mate, a traditional herbal tea concoction in Patagonia, is passed from hand to hand, shared between the aunts and the girls, while the crackling of the fire accompanies their words about the meaning of the initiative “Mi Voz se Expande en la Patagonia (in English, ‘My voice expands in Patagonia’).” This project has become a symbol of community, inclusion and culture, uniting the voices of the local children’s choir and building bridges between activities that, historically, were reserved only for the adults.
Bárbara Paz, creative director of "Mi Voz se Expande en la Patagonia," explains that what happens is profoundly transformative, as it strengthens collaborative relationships based on love and tenderness. “Sowing in children the possibility of tapping into their capacity to dream is magical,” she says, as she adds some lawen, medicinal herbs, to her mate. Her words resonate in the small school, where the workshops that serve as a prelude to the big event in September are held.
Photo: Mi voz se expande en la Patagonia
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Photo: Mi voz se expande en la PatagoniaThe “Mi Voz se Expande en la Patagonia” event is a powerful creative device that connects voices, bodies and oral narratives with the imaginary of the human and natural heritage of the province of Palena. It arose from the need to present and recognize the voices of rural children in isolated areas of Chile, standing out as a space for interdisciplinary artistic creation in what many consider “the best kept treasure of Patagonia."
The first edition of this festival, held in 2023, in Palena, marked a milestone by bringing together nearly 800 people in a town of just 1,200 residents, quickly consolidating itself as a cultural jewel in the region. Now, in 2024, the organizing team is preparing for a second edition this Friday, September 27th.
The festival's executive producer, Mario Ossandón, notes that last year's event managed to capture “the strength of nature to promote a communitarian and integrative practice, with a human approach. This was palpable in every musical note and in every interaction among the participants." For Mario, it is not just about choral music, but about opening up the possibility of creating bonds, fostering understanding, socio-ecological health and social cohesion. “We believe that the only way to truly protect our Patagonia is to create a community that comes together and raises its voice for this generous land.”
Very exciting, too, at this year's festival the first album of “Mi Voz se Expande en la Patagonia” will be presented, a recording of the songs of the children participating in the festival that brings together the voices and educational experiences of rural Patagonia, and beautifully reflects the diverse cultural networks and the musical richness of the region.
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Río Yelcho. Photo: Felipe Zanotti.png)
Río Palena. Photo: Felipe ZanottiSongs for the protection of the Yelcho and Palena Rivers
Moreover, within the framework of the festival, an important milestone for river protection will take place. An initiative will be formally presented to government authorities that seeks to establish “flow reserves” to protect the ecosystems and water supply of the Yelcho and Palena rivers for nearby towns and residents.
The effort to protect the Yelcho and Palena rivers has succeeded in uniting diverse sectors in the province. In January 2023, in an unprecedented act, the mayors of Chaitén, Futaleufú and Palena, together with the governor of the Los Lagos Region and several Chilean senators, signed a joint declaration calling for the protection of these rivers. It is expected that during this year's festival, concrete progress will be made in the official protection of these important rivers.
Moreover, within the framework of the festival, an important milestone for river protection will take place. An initiative will be formally presented to government authorities that seeks to establish “flow reserves” to protect the ecosystems and water supply of the Yelcho and Palena rivers for nearby towns and residents.
The effort to protect the Yelcho and Palena rivers has succeeded in uniting diverse sectors in the province. In January 2023, in an unprecedented act, the mayors of Chaitén, Futaleufú and Palena, together with the governor of the Los Lagos Region and several Chilean senators, signed a joint declaration calling for the protection of these rivers. It is expected that during this year's festival, concrete progress will be made in the official protection of these important rivers.
Patagonia’s rivers are the protagonists of a unique landscape in the world. Not only do they sustain the biodiversity that inhabits their waters and along their banks, but they also provide water to local communities and are an essential pillar for the economy, such as tourism, fishing, agriculture and livestock raising. However, in the face of the climate and ecological crisis, the sustainability of these resources is at risk, especially if legal protection mechanisms are not implemented to guarantee their long-term preservation.
For sure, the various activities of the festival will make for a magical gathering that celebrates the cultural and natural diversity of Chilean Patagonia, while also reflecting the strong commitment of a community to protect its rivers.
For sure, the various activities of the festival will make for a magical gathering that celebrates the cultural and natural diversity of Chilean Patagonia, while also reflecting the strong commitment of a community to protect its rivers.
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