Nossa Senhora de Andacollo's Party: popular religiosity in northern Chile

Abstract

The festivities to the Virgin of Andacollo are held twice a year in Chile, according to ancestral indigenous celebrations. The first, called "chica", takes place on the spring equinox over the first Sunday in October. The second, called "festa grande", takes place on the summer solstice, from December 23rd to 27th. Today these festivals have been assimilated into Catholic celebrations and attract hundreds of people to the small town of Andacollo in the Coquimbo region. The main square is taken over by the sound of boxes, drums and flutes, and the streets are filled with color and brightness with the vestments and banners of the devotees. The churches become living domes of the coming and going of men, women and children who renew every year the intimate purpose of placing themselves before the image of Our Lady of Andacollo.