Saltpeter Week 2024 offers a variety of events

The historical and cultural richness of the pampa calichera shone once again during Saltpeter Week 2024, a traditional celebration held every year in November that brings the community together to pay tribute to the men and women who wrote the saltpeter story in northern Chile, fostering dialogue between generations and revitalizing an identity-defining legacy.

On the first day, attendees participated in a spirited program on the way of life in saltpeter towns, recalling key experiences in pampa conversations and reflecting on the importance of preserving traditions.

Organizers also launched the “Vivencias Pampinas” short story contest, an initiative that invites the community to revive the stories and experiences of the pampa. Entries are due by January 26th (contest rules and regulations: http://www.pampinos.org/).

The exhibition “Living in the Pampa Calichera” was also inaugurated by the Huanchaca Ruins Museum and will be open to the public until February 2025, offering an in-depth look at the saltpeter past through photographs, objects and testimonies.

On the first day, Jorge Álvarez, president of the Vivencias de la Pampa Cultural Corporation expressed his appreciation for the activity, commenting, “I am very pleased to be involved in this important event, where the private sector, represented by SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, together with us and the Huanchaca Ruins Foundation, have organized a great week. The seed was planted about a year ago, so it has been a long time in the making.”

Saltpeter Week 2024 celebrates not only the past, but also the value of preserving our traditions. Through the event, SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition reaffirms its commitment to reviving northern Chile’s cultural and historical heritage, creating opportunities that unite communities around their history.

For Pablo Pisani, Corporate Affairs Manager of SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, preserving the legacy of the saltpeter splendor is fundamental to keeping cultural identity alive.

“Through events like this, where communities play a leading role, we continue to honor the traditions that define us and strengthen ties between generations. At SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, we are deeply committed to safeguarding cultural heritage, working hand in hand with the communities so that these valuable stories continue to be told.”

Meanwhile, the Regional Secretariat of Cultures, Arts and Heritage, Claudio Lagos, recognized the importance of keeping this history and these testimonies alive, pointing out that “the pampa and its people are part of the soul of all Antofagasta natives. This is inherent to constructing our identity and our personal histories as well. Highlighting our heritage and what it means in terms of affection and love for our land helps us transmit it to future generations.

PAMPA LEADERS AND FINAL DAY

The last day of the celebration will take place this Saturday, November 30th, at the Huanchaca Ruins amphitheater starting at 11:00 a.m. Anyone wishing to join can attend free of charge. The final day will include a ceremony to recognize the “2024 Pampa Leaders,” honored for their invaluable contribution to enhancing the saltpeter identity and culture.

There will also be art and music performances by the regional band Ankaly and the “Los Pampa” Student Philharmonic, which promise to thrill the crowd with their tribute to Pampa tradition.

For SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, traditions are the heart of history and celebrating one’s roots is an act of gratitude to those who, with effort and dedication, have kept the rich heritage of saltpeter alive, honoring the past while looking towards a more sustainable future.