Deputy Carolina Tello spoke about the cancellation of the 2026 Pampilla Festival in Coquimbo, stating that it is now the responsibility of José Antonio Kast’s government to «define its priorities and allocate funds for reconstruction» following the recent severe storm.
«The suspension of Pampilla highlights the ongoing hardships faced by our region of Coquimbo,» the parliamentarian noted, referring to the decision made by the mayor, Ali Manouchehri, to cancel the traditional independence celebration. The funds, estimated to exceed $1.8 billion, will be redirected to assist «those most in need» after the destruction caused by the wind and rain in the area.
Tello remarked, «No one wants to make such a decision, but when reconstruction efforts are stalled and families continue to wait for aid, priorities certainly change.»
She emphasized that the municipalities affected by the storm have had to utilize their own budgets to cope with the emergency.
«Now it’s up to Kast’s government to set priorities and free up resources for reconstruction. Every day that passes, families, entrepreneurs, and workers are still waiting for an opportunity to start anew,” the Deputy for District No. 5 stated in a video shared on social media.
In announcing the suspension of the famed “largest party in Chile,” which brings together thousands of families for the national celebrations, Mayor Ali Manouchehri expressed his disappointment at the lack of a more immediate response from Kast’s administration regarding the allocation of resources for the region.
«There are neighbors who have lost everything, families that lost their homes, belongings, and cherished memories. Roads have been destroyed, communities isolated, and the emergency for Coquimbo remains unresolved,» he noted.
«Pampilla Can Wait a Year, But Affected Families Cannot»
The mayor stated that, despite proposing several «options for immediate funding for reconstruction» to both the president and the Minister of Finance, Jorge Quiroz, they were not heard and ultimately were told that «reconstruction would be financed through the budget law and not with immediate funds now.»
«Our people need help today, not next year,» he emphasized, clarifying that «Pampilla will return,» but that «today it’s time to uplift Coquimbo.»
Similarly, Deputy Carolina Tello expressed that the public expects to talk about this traditional celebration next year rather than reconstruction efforts. However, she noted that achieving this goal «depends on the Kast government bringing timely aid, as it has been weeks since the region of Coquimbo has awaited assistance; ‘Pampilla can wait a year, but affected families cannot.'»
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