Valparaíso Local Customs

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Most vineyards date from Columbus's second voyage to South America,when vine production and its use was more of a religious necessity than a form of cultural enjoyment.The first vineyards were planted in Mexico,and soon later,whole areas of land were set aside for wine production in Peru,and latterly in Chile.After reaching Santiago,Chile's capital,the vineyards "crossed"the Andes and were established in the Mendoza region of Argentina.The first grapes were called criolla or pais.It was not until the late 19th century that the viniculture industry was developed for foreign markets.
The first vines were planted near Santiago.Chile in the mid-sixteenth century,where today most vineyards can still be found.Chile's light and fertile soils make for ideal wine growing conditions and in addition,the vineyards are sheltered by the natural barriers of the Atacama desert.Patagonia,The Pasific Ocean and the Andes.They have defented Chilean vineyards from the pets and plagues that devastated many an European vineyards,such as the dreaded Phylioxera disease.By the mid-19th century,European grapes varieties were being planted,athough most wine production was still destined for home markets.By the mid-20th century a different story emerges.Spanish and French viticulturist began to exploit the excellent natural conditions of the area;vineyards were modernised and the best wines exported.Today,the most famous Chilean wines are made from grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon,Merlot,Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Defining South American cuisine is something of a challenge.This vast continent displays diverse geographical and climatic characteristics that have helped shape its rich and varied cuisine.Yet a number of common elements or native ingreditents are present amongst it diverse foods;potatoes,maize,chilles,and beans have all been used for centuries around the continent,mainstays that are slowly gaining greater international recognition.
One of the elements that define South America's culinary characteristics is the historical interrelation between European and South American cuisine,a marriage that,from a gastronomic viewpoint,benefited both peoples learnt new cooking techniques whilst the Europeans began to understand the versality of native ingreditents,such as the potato,tomato..Chilean cuisine is simple and popular,and although it perhaps lacks in sophistication,it is extremely tasty and nutritious.

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Despite the influence of European colonialism,much of native South American cuisine remains a mystery to many of today's gastronomes.South American cuisine is about not only the great Argentine meats,or the potatoes and maize that are widespread in the rest of the continent.It is also about the rich African influence in Brazilian and Colombian cookery,and Peru and Chile's delectable shellfish,amongst others.
Chile has its own distinct cuisine,thanks to its abundant cold coastal waters that produce fish and shellfish of remarkable quality.Other Chilean specialities are parriladas,grilled steak,lomo a lo pobre,an enormous steak topped with fried eggs,and pastel de choclo,maize pie with meat,vegetables and egg stuffing..

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The Mapuche are the largest indigenous group remaining in Chile.The exact size of the population is unknown,but it is estimated that it numbers roughly a million,distributed in two district areas;one,those that live in rural and urban areas between the eighth and tenth regions,the largest number being in the ninth region;and those -growing in number-who live almost exclusively in Santiago,the capital of the country.In addition there is a significant group of around seventy thousand Mapuche living in the south of Argentina.
Here is Plaza Victoria,a traditional Mapuche group was trying to show of their ancient dance figures..

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Traditional Mapuche Marriage and today..
In the traditional marriage,the man would elope with the woman of his choice.Then with the help of his relatives,both male and female,all would help the new wife settle into her new family.To formalise the union,the groom and his relatives had to make a payment,usually of animals and other goods,to the bride's father.
In the traditional Mapuche family,it was normal for a man who could afford it to have two or more wives,very often sisters.

Today people still talk about the stealing of a bride and payment of the brideprice.These still take place to date,but more a a custom by agreement between the young couple and their families.
Despite the prohibition of the practice by the Christian religion and the Chilean Laws,a few polygamic marriages still exist,especially among older people.
Traditional custom established that a man should look for a wife preferably among the daughters of his mother's brothers or sisters,while marriage with a cousin on the father's side was forbidden.This prohibition is still effect,although the prescription of marriage to a cousin or cousins on the mother's side is declining.

COLA DE MONO.
Ingredients:water,milk,vanilla,cloves,coffe and aguardiente.you think that it is a baby drink:)JAJAJAJA...
keep in refrigerator and serve very cold..
WOW.an other traditional Chilean drink..sweet,tasty..I had different typs of cola de mono..home made and ready for serve..
But,if you'll have toooooooooooo much,you'll understand that what is it the mean of "Cola de Mono."You'll dancing and acting look like a MONKEYYYYYYYYYYY:) and you'll try to catch your tail:) It is Cola de Mono...
Salud Don Pedro Ruben:)

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An other true color of Valparaiso..Graffiti..I saw alot of good samples but i couldn't have any time and chance to get pictures..
The first well known example of graffiti art(modern) in the ancient city of Ephesus(in Turkey)..

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WOW..It was the most memorable the new year celebration of my entire live..never forget..I was there...just amazing..I was there...
Angel tomato made all connection and I just been there..gracias Matty..
We went to Francisco"s friend house and the house has a great city view and we waited till 31.12.2007 12:00pm,and 01.01.2008 00.00.01am .. fire works show started over the port and Don Pedro Ruben opened a bottle of DOM PERIGNON champagne,and SALUD to 2008.. GOD bless you all..
Fire works continued 1/2 hour..
Meanwhile,I have a reservation for 31.12.2008:)
And party time...dance..wine..cola de mono...dance..wine...dance..cola de mono....