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Animita Evaristo Montt: A Shrine of Remembrance

A poignant memorial to a railway worker, the Animita Evaristo Montt is a powerful symbol of faith and remembrance in Antofagasta's Barrio Estación.

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The Animita Evaristo Montt is a roadside shrine in Antofagasta, Chile, commemorating a railway worker who died in a tragic accident in 1924. It has grown into a significant cultural and historical landmark, adorned with plaques, candles, and offerings from devoted locals.

A brief summary to Animita Evaristo Montt

  • C. Valdivia 3715-3777, Antofagasta, Antofagasta, CL

Local tips

  • Visit at night to see the animita illuminated by candles, creating a reverent atmosphere.
  • Take a moment to read some of the plaques and messages left by locals, offering insight into the personal stories and beliefs connected to the site.
  • If driving, participate in the local tradition of honking your car horn as you pass by the animita.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Plaza Colón in the city center, walk northeast on Av. Prat, then turn left onto Av. Argentina. Continue until you reach C. Valdivia and turn left again. Walk a few minutes to find Animita Evaristo Montt at C. Valdivia 3715-3777. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Take any bus that goes towards the center of Antofagasta. Look for buses with signs indicating 'Centro' or 'Plaza Colón'. Disembark at Plaza Colón and walk towards Av. Prat and head northeast. After about a 10-minute walk, turn left onto Av. Argentina. Continue walking until you reach the intersection with C. Valdivia and turn left. Walk a few minutes to find Animita Evaristo Montt at 3715-3777. Bus fare is approximately 600 CLP.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Antofagasta. A taxi from the city center (e.g., Plaza Colón) to Animita Evaristo Montt will take approximately 10 minutes. Taxi fares in Antofagasta start at approximately 363 CLP per kilometer. A typical short trip may cost around 2,844 CLP.

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Discover more about Animita Evaristo Montt

The Animita Evaristo Montt stands as a testament to local history and enduring faith in Antofagasta. More than just a typical landmark, it represents a deep connection between the community and its past. The animita is dedicated to the memory of José Evaristo Montt Monsalve, a railway worker who tragically lost his life in a boiler explosion on July 15, 1924. The accident occurred in the early morning hours at the Empresa de Ferrocarriles de Antofagasta a Bolivia (FCAB). Montt, who was working as a watchman, was near a train when the boiler exploded due to a pressure failure, killing him and three other workers. The force of the explosion scattered his remains, with some landing on the adjacent street. This gruesome scene deeply affected the community, leading to the creation of a memorial on the site of his death. Over time, the site evolved into a shrine, or "animita," which in Chilean culture, is a small structure or place that commemorates someone who has died. The Animita Evaristo Montt has become one of the largest and most visited animitas in Chile. The wall behind the shrine stretches for almost an entire block and is covered with plaques expressing gratitude for favors granted, as well as personal messages and prayers. Visitors light candles and leave flowers as offerings, maintaining a constant vigil in honor of Evaristo Montt. The site is not only a place of remembrance but also a symbol of identity and historical memory for the city. Many locals believe that Evaristo Montt possesses a divine power to grant wishes and offer protection, and it's a tradition for drivers to honk their horns as they pass by.

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