Antofagasta’s Saltpeter Week culminates with the awarding of the “2024 Pampa Leaders”

As part of Saltpeter Week organized by the Vivencias de la Pampa Cultural Corporation, SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition and the Huanchaca Ruins Museum, 12 representatives from different areas were recognized as “2024 Pampa Leaders” for their contribution to preserving the traditions and cultural legacy of the pampa.

This recognition honored the awardees’ commitment to keeping the pampa identity alive and inspiring new generations. The long-awaited gathering was also an opportunity for reflection, celebration and fun.

“I’m happy. This is the nicest thing, to receive encouragement in life.  For me, being a pampa native is everything, it’s a very nice story. Anyone from the pampa understands. We are all like brothers, we are all very united. A pampa native will never abandon his roots. He will always be there because he loves his land,” said Miguel Ledezma, award-winning radio host.

“It means a lot to me, because I am representing my family, we are all from the pampa. I am the youngest of 10 siblings, so it is very emotional for me. They are no longer here, so it is very meaningful,” said María Farías, a primary school teacher and recipient of the award.

The event featured performances by the regional band Ankaly and the “Los Pampa” Student Philharmonic, which took the audience on an emotional journey of memories and nostalgia.

“I am very happy, because we have longed for this gathering. The initiative came up at our corporation and everyone contributed many ideas to revive the pampa heritage and experiences. I am very moved by everyone’s response. I realize that the pampa roots are tremendous,” emphasized the president of the Vivencias de la Pampa Cultural Corporation, Jorge Álvarez.

“When we were approached to join this initiative, we didn’t hesitate, because we are heirs of the saltpeter industry and we understand that we cannot look to the future if we do not understand our past. And the saltpeter industry is just that, an industry that is very dear to our workers, their traditions and their lives. This space helps make this story known to the new generations to keep the pampa heritage alive,” commented José Robles Rivera, Deputy Community Relations Manager for SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition.

Twelve pampa natives were selected from a large number of participants: Miguel Ledezma, Elizabeth Vargas, Yerko Del Valle, Jorge Hiche, María Encarnación Farias, Pedro Gahona, Ximena García, Sonia Menay, Nicolás Cubillos, Víctor Vergara, Julieta Cisternas and Joel Riquelme.

Traditions and Culture

Among the activities carried out during the conference, an exhibition entitled “Living in the Pampa Calichera” was inaugurated at the Huanchaca Ruins Museum.

This exhibition, which will be open to the public until February 2025, invites the community to explore the history and lifestyle of the saltpeter era through photographs, objects and testimonials.

Everyone is invited to immerse themselves in the saltpeter past at the exhibit, open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The event also included a short story contest, “Vivencias Pampinas,” designed to revive and share original, important stories about that era and its legacy. This contest seeks to fortify connections between generations and is part of the work carried out by the Vivencias de la Pampa Cultural Corporation.

(Contest rules available at www.pampinos.org with submissions due by January 26, 2025).

In addition, the Chacabuco Nitrates Museum Foundation exhibited a micro-documentary on the history of the saltpeter office, which this year celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Remembering the value of our roots and the commitment to keep them alive is part of the heritage and culture that we seek to continue generating in these spaces.