Paula

Singer, songwriter, and writer, Natalia Contesse’s interest in Violeta Parra led her to investigate the history of the legendary Carpa de La Reina and to discover the dream behind it: to create a school of popular culture. From that search was born her own traveling tent of crafts and folklore. Today, amid the celebrations of Fiestas Patrias, she reflects on the meaning of the traditions we repeat every September, the memory they hold, and what they can tell us about who we are.

From north to south, these are some fondas and celebrations that offer vegan alternatives to enjoy the National Holidays without leaving anyone out.

At 13 years old, Emilio had everything ready to travel to a championship, but his father refused to authorize it. Although the court granted permission, an appeal prevented him from using it in time. In this Legal Advice column, we explain what the law says and what happens when refusal becomes a form of control.

The same flavors as always, but with a different twist. We have selected these recipes that reinvent some traditional Chilean Independence Day classics so you can impress at the table while still celebrating our traditions.

Amanda was 16 years old when she met Andrés. They fell in love, but they couldn’t be together and each went on with their lives. Almost thirty years later, she decided to look for him to close a story that, despite the time, she had never been able to completely leave behind.

At 72 years old, the Chilean athlete has just been crowned world champion at the Daegu World Masters Athletics Championships in South Korea. She has been involved in athletics for more than six decades and, although she has had to stop several times, she has always found her way back to the tracks.

Who hasn’t said at some point, “This weekend I’ll eat everything, after all, I’ll start the diet on Monday”? This is known as the “last supper syndrome,” a pattern that appears strongly during National Holidays and can end up altering our relationship with food.

At 22 years old, she inherited a story that began before she was born: that of a brother sold abroad. Among documents, DNA tests, and family reunions, she now tries to understand how a decision made four decades ago continues to shape the lives of those who remained in Chile. In this interview, she reflects on her story and the effort to reconnect after so much time.

Every September we repeat that you have to ask for help, listen, and be attentive to the signs. But it is time to also talk about what happens afterward: months of waiting for a medical appointment, unaffordable medications, and a system that rarely responds on time.

The custom of eating gnocchi every 29th to attract abundance has taken it to another level. From clandestine dinners to gatherings to chat and meet people, these are three ways to celebrate this Italian tradition.