Music

This Music Festival Spotlights Mapuche Culture and the New Wave of Future Folklore

Taking place in the breathtaking region of Los Lagos in Southern Chile, far from the bustling Santiago metropolis, the fifth installment of Festival Nomade brings together international folk and electronic acts under one banner to create an experience tailored to eco-conscious adventure travelers with a taste for live music. Hosting the event in the Williche Mapu Lahual Reserve from February 10-15, the festival looks to shine a light on local Huilliche culture, as well as sustainable tourism. Taking advantage of the stunning vistas and providing a space for holistic and eco-friendly activities, Festival Nomade promises to be an ambitious event that goes beyond the music, offering permaculture workshops, yoga, hiking, kayaking, and a slew of other activities.

On the musical end, the lineup is an amalgamation of local favorites and exciting international talent, with a focus on folk and electronic music. Imagine a weekend of music by roots artists like Argentine Balvina Ramos, and Anahí Mariluán of Nuequina, paired with electronic and hip-hop stalwarts like of Chancha Vía Circuito, La Yegros, and Matanza. Artists like Feathered Sun, Urubu Marinka, and Martha Van Straaten will be coming all the way from Brazil and Germany to join in the festivities, adding to the fest’s sense of global community. In total, over 25 artists and bands will perform at the nearly weeklong festival.

True to their sustainability message, Nomade organizers have outlined a plan to relinquish ownership of all venues and infrastructure used for performances and workshops to the local township for future community use. The organizers encourage all attendees to be respectful of the grounds and to come prepared for a few nights of camping on the beach. Attendance tends to be in the few hundreds, ensuring gentle treatment of the terrain and a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. The foundation hopes that by drawing attention to the community, they can bring in a new source of income while helping to preserve local identity.