Chile 18 Sep 2010 Chile celebrates 200 years since start of independence drive

Published 23 August 2010

Chile marked the centenary of its independence drive in 1910 by inaugurating many public buildings. The bicentennial celebrations in 2010 are likely to see more of the same--plus cultural events that emphasize the country's rejection of military dictatorships. Coins and stamps, probably depicting Bernardo O'Higgins, can be anticipated. The bicentenary is likely to be a flashpoint for the Mapuche, as 200 years of post-colonial government has not restored their ancestral lands.

On 18 Sep 1810, a national junta replaced the governor-general. At Chacabuco, on 12 Feb 1817, independence forces that included O'Higgins, Chile's own independence hero, and the Argentine general José de San Martín defeated the royalists. O'Higgins was elected interim supreme director and administered the country until 1823.

In present times, Chile is facing an increasingly volatile indigenous conflict. The government has taken a confrontational position, leveling anti-terrorist legislation against Mapuche leaders who have clashed with police and private business in protests against hydroelectric and forestry properties that the indigenous people regard as their ancestral land. On 29 Jul 2010, 31 jailed Mapuche Indians are on a hunger strike demanding that harsh anti-terrorist laws enacted during the military dictatorship and used to imprison them be overturned.

Numbering around 600,000, the Mapuches are the biggest Indian minority in Chile, representing around six percent of the population. Activist groups around the world have taken up their cause.

The day's festivities will include a musical celebration at the National Stadium in Santiago, a tribute to Chilean music over 200 years. A parade and fireworkd are also planned.

The government is planning to launch two new coins to celebrate the occasion -- a 20 peso coin and a 200 peso coin. The last new currency Chile introduced into the market was the new version of the CP$2,000 bill made of synthetic material. The two proposed coins will be the first time that Chile has introduced a new coin since changing the look of the CP$100 coin in Dec 2001.

Ministers of culture of the Ibero-American group met in 2007 to form the Bicentennial Group. Made up by Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Venezuela and Chile--nations that began their emancipation process from the Spanish crown between 1809 and 1811--it was set up to coordinate independence activities across the continent. Bolivia and Ecuador celebrate their bicentennials in 2009, followed by Argentina, Chile, and Mexico in 2010, and with Venezuela and Paraguay in 2011. Colombia has decided to commemorate its anniversary in 2019. Guatemala and Peru follow in 2021. (LAST UPDATED Aug 2010)