Enjoying the Culture 163cities to explain the existence of the Moais. Although
these theories have been ruled out, this vibrant culture will
always remain somewhat of a mystery.
In late January or early February, the people of Easter
Island celebrate Tapati. This festival honours the Rapa Nui
culture with native dance, chants and song and various
competitions in woodcarving, spear fishing, horse racing
and Kai Kai.
Chiloé
The island of Chiloé is the richest part of Chile in terms
of mythology and legends. Many are derived from Indian
beliefs mixed with the Spanish-Christian tradition. Christian
beliefs come into play with good fighting evil. The isolation
and inclement weather of the island work to create this
mysticism. Ask a Chilean about Chiloé and they will tell
you about brujos (wizards), who belong to a secret society.
To be accepted as a member of a society, a candidate must
kill a close relative and perform other evil acts, from which
they acquire immense magical powers. Brujos can fly, but
only when wearing a vest made out of the skin of a virgin
turned inside out. If you are in Chiloé and accidentally put
on your sweater inside out, Chileans will ask you if you are
planning to fly.
Most mythological beings are associated with brujos:
Invunche, the guardian of the brujos’ lair, is a baby whose
limbs have all been broken and whose orifices have been
sealed. Caleuche, a mythological
ship, is the vessel of the brujos
that appears at night and aboard
which they enjoy a never-ending
party. Pincoya and Pincoy,
Chiloé’s sirens, are half fish, half
human. Trauco, a gnome with no
feet, is blamed for impregnating
young, unwed women. A friend
was staying with a family in
Chiloé and the parents seriously
spoke of the trauco who had
A popular event in Chiloé is a
minga, which brings the entire
community together to help a
neighbour. There are mingas for
planting, harvesting, fixing the
church, etc. One of the most
common mingas is to move
an entire house. The house is
mounted on tree trunks and
pulled by oxen to the new site.
The house can even be moved
across the sea! When the house
has arrived at its new location, the
owner treats everyone to lots of
food and drink in appreciation.