Tours and Activities:
Valdivian Night
On a special night, the Calle Calle River shines never before: lights, flares, and music envelop residents and visitors, who join the celebration in festive attire and overflowing joy.
Valdivia celebrates its anniversary on February 9. A few days later, the Valdivian Week begins, and the city spares no effort in looking splendid and festive, with magnificent shows that draw everyone together. This celebration used to take place on the last Saturday of February, but since 2025, the season has been extended. The festivities culminate with the Valdivian Night, when activities multiply and no one goes to sleep.
We joined one of its editions and confirmed what we had always heard: the streets fill with people strolling back and forth slowly, savoring every moment. This cultural and tourist attraction gathers between 70,000 and 350,000 attendees every year. Along the waterfront, between the Schuster Pier and the Riverside Market, concerts and regional craft stalls are set up.
Watercrafts of different categories that make up the parade go along the Calle Calle River. All of them boast decorations made by the locals, who enter a competition with different awards. A great display of their imagination, color, and action flows down the river and creates a scene that is reflected upon the water's surface, delighting everyone present.
Those who know the origin of these celebrations are aware of the fact that this is not exactly a joyful matter. It is said that during the sixteenth century, the residents were not happy with the administration of Governor García de Mendoza. Many settlers were deprived of their land, and as a protest, they threw their boats into the river with lit straw bales. Such a popular expression would be referred to as a “demonstration” today. As a result, the governor was removed from his position, and the parade of watercrafts became a local custom. In the last few years, this commemoration gained unexpected glamour and became the most-awaited event in the region. The waterfront, in turn, represents a spacious and beautiful environment where the gala is displayed.
New resources are involved in every occasion for the renovation to be part of the glowing attractions. As soon as the fireworks start in the dark sky, everyone knows that a memorable gathering will only be repeated after one year.
The Valdivian Night is the perfect finale of a series of cultural, artistic, and popular actions, and at the same time, it represents the end of the summer in a city that has everything.
Contact
Municipalidad de Valdivia
Tel: +56 63-2212151
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