Chile commemorates 184th anniversary of Bernardo O'Higgins' death

Authorities and various organizations in Linares, Chile, held a memorial mass at the Linares Cathedral to commemorate the 184th anniversary of the death of Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme, a founding father of Chile.

Historical accounts detail that O'Higgins passed away in Lima, Peru, in 1841 while in exile. Suffering from heart hypertrophy, he had expressed a deep desire to return to his homeland and had written to President Manuel Bulnes Prieto to arrange his arrival.

Local reflections also highlight the historical significance of O'Higgins' final moments and his strategic vision for Chile. Traditions suggest his last words were “Magallanes, Magallanes!”, emphasizing the importance of the southern territory. This vision preceded the formal establishment of Chilean sovereignty over the Strait of Magallanes in 1843.