La Serena concludes 482nd anniversary with solidarity celebrations

The Municipality of La Serena concluded its 482nd anniversary celebrations with a traditional communal flag-raising ceremony at the Faro Monumental. The anniversary month featured a modified program due to a climate emergency in July, including the presentation of the City of La Serena Medal, a mass in honor of San Bartolomé, and the Verbena Serenense.

This year’s Verbena Serenense focused on solidarity, hosting over 8,000 participants and incorporating a collection center to assist families affected by recent rains. To support the local economy, more than 800 entrepreneurs were permitted to participate without paying for their stalls, and local artists performed free of charge.

Mayor Daniela Norambuena stated that the municipality opted for an austere celebration to remain responsible with public resources during the emergency. The event cost the municipality 3.5 million pesos, allowing funds to be redirected toward urgent community needs.