For a Better Understanding of Latin America
This September, we gather to remember and reflect upon a significant event in Chile’s history – the 50th anniversary of the coup led by General Augusto Pinochet. This event marked a turning point in our nation’s trajectory, leaving an indelible impact on the lives of countless Chileans.
On September 11, 1973, Chile experienced a rupture of democracy and a brutal violation of human rights. The military coup resulted in the overthrow of President Salvador Allende and the establishment of a military dictatorship that lasted for nearly two decades.
As we commemorate this solemn anniversary, it is crucial to remember the victims of Pinochet’s regime. Thousands of individuals were subjected to torture, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. Families were torn apart, and the wounds inflicted during those dark days still echo through our society.
However, amidst the pain and suffering, we must also acknowledge the resilience and strength of the Chilean people. Our country has come a long way since those dark times. We have strived to heal the wounds of the past, seeking justice, truth, and reconciliation.
Today, we stand united in our commitment to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. We pay tribute to the brave individuals who fought for justice and democracy during those difficult years. Their sacrifice and courage have paved the way for a more inclusive and just society.
As we remember this 50th anniversary, we join FABULA and other organisations working for a world where every voice is heard, where justice prevails, and where the horrors of the past remain forever in our collective memory. May we continue to work towards a society where human rights are respected, and where the dignity of every individual is upheld. In solidarity,
The events will go as follows
Edinburgh Central Library ( George IV Bridge) for the whole of September
Exhibition – ‘Chile 50 years on’
4th September -opening at 6:30-7:30pm – Talk & music by Carlos Arredondo.
A comprehensive collection of important historical, cultural and political documents and ephemera including: Chilean newspapers, posters, films, magazines and leaflets, MPs letters, literature dealing with Allende, Pinochet, and the musical culture of the 1970s, photographs and aspects of the community of the Chilean refugees and the Solidarity Campaign in Scotland. A variety of reports from Amnesty International, Human Rights, Written testimonies of Chilean in exile in Scotland.
6th September at 17:45 : Short films programme on present and past chilean cinema presented by with Carlos Arredondo. At Craigmillar Library (101 Niddrie Mains Rd. Edinburgh EH16 4DS) // ALL INFO HERE
9th September- FABULA will present: ‘Concert ‘Chile 50 years On’ at 6:30pm. At St Cecilia’s Hall. ( 50 Niddry St Edinburgh EH1 1LG ) with the kind support of UNISON Lothian Health Branch and City of Edinburgh Council Branch . Jorge Sandoval and his band. Free event but donations to cover costs welcomed. Reserve your free ticckt here
Scottish/Chilean folk musicians and singers have played a very important role in the Chilean Solidarity Campaign in Scotland since 1974. This concert will continue this tradition of solidarity with an exciting programme with the music of Scotland and Chile: Mairi Campbell & Dave Francis, Stan Reeves & Minnow, Protest in Harmony Chorus. Presenting songs of Victor Jara: Carlos Arredondo, Galo Ceron & Patagonia Latin Sound.
The concert will be introduced by the poet and dramatist Jim Aitken a tutor of Scottish Cultural Studies
14th September – CinemaAttic will present a night of remembrance at Central Library of Scotland. Q&A with members of the Chilean diaspora and the screening of 1976 by Manuela martelli. Free event but you need to book. ALL INFO HERE
16th September – CinemaAttic will present : Short Films and live music at St Peters Scottish Episcopal Church at 20:00pm . (Luton Place, Newington EH8 9PE) – A collection of Chilean films, chilean food and music and an introduction by Carlos Arredondo. ALL INFO HERE
The National Library of Scotland ( George IV Bridge) will display material about Chile throughout the month of September and on the
18th September ‘Migrating Music’
A musical event bringing together displaced people from across the world. ( short initial talk Q&A about Chile and musical connections with Scotland) Carlos Arredondo and Music Broth with ECL participation.
21st September: CinemaAttic at CCA Glasgow – will present a short films programme of .Chilean films. ALL INFO HERE
TBC – University of Edinburgh. Talk by historian and Mapuche activist Fernando Pairican at the University of Edinburgh. Invited by Dr. Magnus Course, Head of Social Anthropology. (Details to follow)
26th September, 2 – 4 pm. George Washington Browne Room – Edinburgh Central Library.
( George the IV Bridge, EH1 1EG )
Talk by historian and Mapuche activist Fernando Pairican invited by Dr. Magnus Course, Head of Social
Anthropology at Edinburgh University ( In Spanish with an interpreter)
Movimiento mapuche y proceso constituyente: un punto y seguido
La exposición abordara el impacto que tuvo el estallido social en lo que se podría considerar como una
revuelta anticolonial con la caída de monumentos que recuerdan la violencia del colonialismo de
asentamiento sobre los mapuche, la irrupción de un movimiento urbano que fue crucial en el triunfo de
los candidatos y candidatas a constituyentes. Una segunda parte, expondrá el camino a la conquista de
Escaños Reservados y la consolidación de una vía gradualista a la Autonomía al proponer una
constitución que propuso un Estado Plurinacional para encausar la conflictividad. Por último, se
entregarán elementos que expliquen el rechazo a esta propuesta y el desarrollo de un segundo proceso
constituyente en que lo indígena ha quedado reducido profundamente develando como el racismo
continúa siendo un arma fundamental para la construcción de la política contribuyendo a tiempos de
incertidumbre. La Hipótesis es que más que verlo desde una derrota, el proceso constituyente fue un
punto de llegada del movimiento gradualista mapuche y que elevó su número de votantes en la segunda
elección que tiene a un representante indígena en la redacción de la nueva constitución.
27th September at 17:00 – 19:00 – Public event at University of Edinburgh – Cairns Lecture Theatre, (
Summerhall, EH9 1PL)
Talk by historian and Mapuche activist Fernando Pairican invited by Dr. Magnus Course, Head of Social
Anthropology – University of Edinburgh ( In Spanish with an interpreter)
Rüpü: el largo camino del movimiento mapuche: 1910-2020.
En este charla se espera entregar elementos para la comprensión de la historia del movimiento mapuche
en su larga duración con el proposito de revertir el colonialismo de asentamiento y empoderarse usando
distintos mecanismos para ello. Uno fue en plano político crear una primera experiencia de
organizaciones mapuche entre 1910-1960, lo cual le permitió el desarrollo de diputados al interior del
Parlamento e incluso Ministros. Sin embargo, no logró transformar aspectos desarrollados con la
propiedad de la tierra, ni revertir el colonialismo de asentamiento ni descender la racialización de la
sociedad mapuche. Una segunda parte de la charla, abordará la Reforma Agraria y el impacto que tuvo en
la radicalización étnica y como influyó en el Golpe de Estado. Una tercera parte de la exposición
expondrá el surguimiento del segundo ciclo del movimiento mapuche, el que sostendrá ideas idea
Autodeterminación y Autonomía como un proyecto de carácter histórico. A partir de esta dimensión,
desarrollará la historia del movimiento mapuche entre 1981-2020,
Please note: Edinburgh Central Library ( George IV Bridge) for the whole of October
FABULA – Display of Los Diarios de Jan ( Jan’s Newspapers)
Jan Fairley (1949-2012) was a respected and well known English/Scottish musicologist, journalist and
broadcasters who lived in Edinburgh. She arrived in Chile in 1971 and married there. Jan was in Chile
when the Pinochet’s bloody coup took place and had to leave the country in very difficult circumstances.
Jan was one of the first people to arrive in Britain from Chile and speak about the atrocities taken place in
the country in 1973. She brought with her an incredible amount of Chilean newspapers, magazines and
leaflets from the 1970s-1973 period. The papers for the display were rearranged into English subtitles by
Dr Fiona Mackintosh and the Senior Lecturer Iona MacIntyre from the department of Language and
culture at the Edinburgh University.
Tuesday 24th October at 18:30 – 19:30 – Edinburgh Central Library (George the IV Bridge)
Documentary ‘Carmen’ presented by Carlos Arredondo to pay homage to the Scottish lawyer Andy McEntee who
was the interpreter for Carmen Quintana in 1989 during her visit to Edinburgh to give her testimony of her
experience at the hands of the dictatorship to the University of Edinburgh students. Andy played a huge part in the
detention of General Pinochet in London in 1999 causing furore in Chile, Spain and the UK. The BBC drama
‘Pinochet in Suburbia’ (2006) tells Andy’s story and his role in the detention of Pinochet. Margaret Thatcher was
his powerful ally in the UK along with her scottish minister Norman Lamont.
