Culture Shock! Chile - A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette

The Chilean People 57

Suffering in exchange for
forgiveness is a common
concept in Chilean Catholicism.
Worshipers can often be seen
‘walking’ down the aisle of the
church on their knees, begging
for mercy. Catholics also try to
make one of the several yearly
pilgrimages or processions to
Catholic churches within Chile

Animitas, shrines dedicated to deceased loved ones, are a common sight
along the highways of Chile.

Roadside Shrines

In the Chilean countryside

and alongside most roads and

highways it is common to see

shrines called animitas marking

the place of death of a loved one.

Candles are lit in remembrance

and flowers may be laid at the site.

Deceased family members may

also be called upon in prayers to

intercede on a relative’s behalf.