Giant Pablo Neruda to 'Fly' over Chile for Santiago's Carnival

What would happen if Pablo Neruda awoke and strolled round the city’s streets?

That question is the inspiration for a giant 22-meter-long model of the Chilean poet designed for capital Santiago’s carnival in December.

The Recoleta, Independencia and Santiago Centro neighborhoods will fill with magic, culture and poetry to remember the country’s most famous and beloved poet.

An artist’s impression of December’s parade with Neruda flying high in red. | Image: Screenshot from Ministry of Culture publicity video

The event, which will take place Dec. 26 and 27, is being organized by the La Patogallina theater group, which is planning 15 “stations” of music, theater and poetry that will pay tribute to the Nobel laureate’s life and work.

The Chilean Culture Minister Ernesto Ottone recently announced the “Neruda is flying” project. He explained, “Over 600 voluntary staff from social and cultural organizations are participating in the event. They are putting together the thousands of elements that will give life to this monumental parade,” according to Terra.

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Ottone said he hopes that the universality of Neruda’s work will result in a great street party for all, stressing the importance of teaching children about Neruda’s work:

“We hope to gather families, older adults, workers and of course children, who are the inheritors of the bard’s artistic legacy and who have the responsibility of keeping our heritage alive.”

Graphic designer Jorge Soto Veragua produced the artwork for the concept.