On Tuesday, August 4, “Obras Musicales del Bicentenario” (Musical Works for the Bicentenary) was launched. The Bicentenary Song, La fuerza de la libertad, composed by Juan Carlos Duque, was presented, and the prize Las Cuecas del Bicentenario was awarded. The first place was won by Doscientas primaveras, by Ricardo de la Fuente and Los Paleteados del Puerto.
During the presentation, that took place at El Patio de Las Camelias, part of Palacio de la Moneda, and where the Culture Minister, Paulina Urrutia, was also present, the President congratulated the three winners: Ricardo de la Fuente and Los Paleteados del Puerto with Doscientas Primaveras; Teresa Rodríguez y Los Chacareros de Paine with Feliz Bicentenario, and Carlos Jaruge and Los Huasos Hidalgos, with Ya llegó el Bicentenario.
Bicentenary Activities
During the ceremony, President Bachelet also presented other activities that will take place to celebrate the Bicentenary. On September 4, Children’s and Youth Orchestras from every region of the country will simultaneously play the National Anthem. This presentation sets the beginning of the project that aims to establish an orchestra in every region.
Michelle Bachelet also referred to the act which will take place on September 15, “we will live an unforgettable moment. That day, the National History Museum will welcome the restored national flag that was present the day Independence was proclaimed”. On September 17 an old and deeply rooted tradition will come alive again, “to paint the house’s facades, no matter how humble their inhabitants may be, to celebrate independence day, to receive in a beautiful way the Bicentennary”. “September 26, Chilean choirs and those made up by Chileans that reside abroad will also sing, simultaneously, the National Anthem”. And last, but not least, September 28, the 200 fondest songs for Chileans during these last 200 years of history, will be presented.
On her closing remarks, the President pointed out: “We must not forget that the Chilean nation is the sum of many contributions, it is a great river that has received many tributaries. The gradual and laborious construction of a democratic Chile was the result of many partial struggles for civil rights. Going back and forth, freedom’s culture finally established in our country, thanks to many anonymous Chileans’ sacrifice and effort”. She added that “the nation was also a creation of those who committed to educating Chileans that were being born into national and political economy; of those who exploited the subsoil’s riches; of those who, one hundred years ago, made evident the exclusions and flaws of Centennial Chile and began walking on a new path of social struggle that is already bearing fruits.
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