La Fiesta Grande de Andacollo 2024 in Chile

Religious residents of Chile celebrate their saints with vibrant parties, particularly in Andacollo, known as the most devout town in the country. Each month, the first Sunday is dedicated to honoring La Virgen with festive events. More significant celebrations occur on the first Sunday of October during La Fiesta Chico. However, the largest celebration is La Fiesta Grande, which lasts five days from December 23rd to 27th, showcasing Chile's rich traditions and culture.

Traditional Celebrations

Today, the festival has evolved into a complex Sanctuary celebration, attracting hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and visitors. It features vibrant popular commerce, participation from local and ecclesiastical authorities, and various tourist and cultural activities. Over three days, the town comes alive with color, dance, and music from numerous brotherhoods and dance groups, who play a key role in the honorary procession, escorting the holy image. Traditional dances include the Chinese Dances, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, the Dance of the Turbans, and the Dancers, who honor the sacred image with the accompaniment of guitars, mandolins, whistles, accordions, and triangles.

Origins of La Fiesta Grande de Andacollo

The festival of the Virgin of Andacollo is the oldest celebration in Chile, honoring the miraculous discovery of the Our Lady of the Rosary image created by the Indian Collo in the late 16th century. Since the 17th century, when the image was entrusted to a local Indigenous community, the Virgin of Andacollo has drawn thousands of pilgrims each year who come to express gratitude for her blessings or seek her protection. Historically, dancing brotherhoods have played a significant role in the festival's organization, with the "Chinos," the oldest group, holding considerable influence over the celebrations.