Nearly a thousand people took part in a kite-flying event for Palestine held in O’Higgins Park in Santiago, as part of an international call for solidarity with the Palestinian people. The event was promoted by various Palestinian and pro-Palestinian organizations, which called on civil society with the goal of flying up to 1,000 kites. Among those attending were the mayor of Recoleta, Fares Jadue, and representatives of human rights groups. “Here in Chile we answered the worldwide call, organizing an event to fly 1,000 kites for Palestine, in support, in solidarity, and in resistance alongside them,” the organizing groups stated in a communiqué. Kite-flying event for Palestine draws nearly a thousand people in O’Higgins Park
JONNATHAN OYARZUN/ATON CHILE During the event, kites were distributed free of charge to children and adults, who took part in preparing and flying them. The event was also accompanied by Palestinian Arab music and dabke performances, a traditional dance of that culture. One of the central moments occurred at around 1:15 p.m., when attendees flew their kites together, including kites made by Palestinian refugees who arrived in Chile about a year ago, using techniques that, according to the organizers, are traditionally used in Gaza. A campaign born from restrictions in GazaThe organizations explained that the event held in Chile is part of an international campaign launched in response to the restrictions imposed on flying kites and balloons in the Gaza Strip. According to the organizers, those measures were adopted by Israeli authorities in August and prompted activities in various countries to reclaim kite flying as a practice tied to childhood and Palestinian cultural expression. The organizers emphasized that flying kites is a tradition deeply rooted for decades in Gaza, especially on beaches and in refugee camps, and that it is passed down between generations. The event held in Santiago is also intended to be replicated in other parts of the country. The organizers reported similar initiatives planned in Concepción, Viña del Mar-Valparaíso, Pucón, La Serena, and Ñuble, among other cities. Kite-flying event for Palestine draws nearly a thousand people in O’Higgins Park JONNATHAN OYARZUN/ATON CHILE