Inti-Illimani Celebrates International Workers’ Day on May 2 at Maestra Vida in Santiago

Inti-Illimani, a cornerstone of Chilean music, announces the concert «Many Years of Craft,» an event honoring the resilience and fight of workers with an intimate performance on Saturday, May 2, at the iconic venue Maestra Vida in the Bellavista neighborhood, known as a haven for both national and international live music.

The event promises the best of the repertoire from one of the leading groups in the national songbook, along with DJ Maringa, who will keep the celebration going until the candles burn out. Spots are limited, so securing tickets in advance is recommended.

In contrast to their large-scale performances, Inti-Illimani has chosen to bring their repertoire to the intimate stage at Maestra Vida. This decision reflects a return to their roots, fostering closeness reminiscent of the traditional peñas, where the distance between the musician and the audience vanishes, creating a day filled with connection, identity, and memory.

«Singing is a craft that builds and refines over time, just like the work of our people. We want this May 2 to be a gathering of voices in a space that endures and resonates,» stated the event’s production team.

They also highlighted that in this format, the audience will appreciate the band’s musical work up close, celebrating the Santiago bohemia and the ongoing relevance of a repertoire that has transcended generations.

Inti-Illimani’s Invaluable Contributions

The enduring Chilean band Inti-Illimani, led by brothers Jorge and Marcelo Coulon, alongside Efren Viera, Juan Flores, Daniel Cantillana, Christian González, César Jara, Camilo Lema, and David Azán, adds this concert to their busy schedule as part of the Inti-Illimani in Your Neighborhood initiative and their nationwide tour “Road to 60 Years”, leading up to their anniversary celebration in 2027.

This concert commemorates a history that began in 1967 in Santiago within the context of the Technical State University, amidst the rise of the New Chilean Song movement.

Since its inception, the group has developed a unique musical language that fuses Andean music with elements of Latin American tradition and classical music, quickly establishing itself as a key figure in the movement alongside notable artists like Quilapayún and Víctor Jara.

Following the Chilean military coup in 1973, the band was unable to return to their country and settled in Europe, primarily Italy, which led to an extended 15-year exile. During this period, Inti-Illimani engaged in significant international activity, becoming a cultural symbol of Chile abroad.

The group’s return to Chile in 1988 marked one of the most significant moments in their career. Amid the process that would eventually lead to the end of the dictatorship, Inti-Illimani held massive concerts that solidified their reconnection with the national audience, reinforcing their role as an artistic and political reference for multiple generations, alongside a discography exceeding 30 albums.

Maestra Vida: An Eternal Celebration

The Salsoteca Maestra Vida, a landmark venue of Santiago’s bohemian culture, was established in the late 1980s in the traditional Bellavista neighborhood and has become a vital meeting point for generations of salsa lovers, musicians, and enthusiasts of Caribbean rhythms.

Focusing on the dance floor, live performances, and DJs, it is known for its authentic atmosphere, distinct from commercial venues.

Maestra Vida hosts hundreds of live shows each year, keeping the nightlife culture alive through enjoyment, live music, and social dance in Santiago, promoting intimate connections, bonds, and the eternal embrace of the rumbera family.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, May 2
Time: 21:30 hrs
Location: Maestra Vida (Pío Nono 380, Recoleta)
Post-show: until 04:30 hrs with DJ Maringa
Tickets available at Portaltickets HERE
-Pre-sale $20,000 (Sold Out)
-General Admission at $25,000.