Awards ceremony for winners of the “Vivencias Pampinas” Short Story Contest

In an emotional ceremony full of applause, the first version of the “Vivencias Pampinas” Short Story Contest was held, an initiative that invited the community to share stories about the pampa’s rich history and tradition. More than 160 stories were submitted, making the contest a great success.

Juan Rivera, with his story “Mis Viejos Calamorros” won first place, receiving a prize of $2,000,000 Chilean pesos. In his speech, Rivera stressed the importance of this type of space that helps preserve the culture of northern Chile.

“More than the award, this experience invites reflection on how literature is not that complex. I’m a novice, and I still managed to win. This contest allows us to remember the history of our saltpeter pampa and pass it on to new generations,” added Rivera.

Second place went to Albina Pereira, with her story “Son Muchos Onces,” while Valentino Araya won third place with “Mi Amigo Chester.”

At the event, Jorge Álvarez, president of Corporación Cultural Vivencias de la Pampa, expressed appreciation for the participants and explained that the contest has two key objectives: “On the one hand, reviving our history and culture, reinforcing the northern identity and its link with the history of saltpeter. And on the other hand, the link with corporate social responsibility, promoting the mining sector’s involvement in conserving regional heritage.”

Honorable mentions were also given to the following contestants: Lisbeth Esteban, with “Fantasma del Viento“; Joselin Tabilo with “Somos la Última Salitrera del Mundo“; and Luis Rojas, with “Vivencias de Mi Niñez.”

For José Robles, Deputy Community Relations Manager at SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, enhancing regional heritage and legacy through literature is fundamental to keeping our identity alive.

“At SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, we are committed to adding value to saltpeter history. These activities allow women and men to share their experiences through unique stories that not only honor the past, but also contribute to the sustainable development of the present and future.”

Claudio Lagos, Antofagasta Regional Director of the Chilean National Cultural Heritage Service, highlighted the participation of new generations, commenting, “It is wonderful to be in the Huanchaca Ruins auditorium and see how people have captured their emotions in these stories. It is important to not lose the feeling of being pampino.”

BOOK LAUNCH: “LOS BOLEROS DEL CHIPI CHIPI”

The event also included the launching of the book “Los Boleros del Chipi Chipi” by the writer Osmar Morgado Rivera, who was born at the Flor de Chile Saltpeter Office. The work gathers his pampino memories through twenty short stories.

“The title refers to a childhood friend, whom we used to call “Chipi Chipi,” who wrote boleros. I am very happy to be able to present this book and that people can enjoy reading it,” said Morgado.