Isla de Maipo

Geography

Isla de Maipo can be found in the Chilean Central Valley approximately 40 km southwest of the metropolitan area of Santiago and about 12 km from the city of Talagante. The commune spans an area of 189 sqkm. In general, the commune is characterized as predominantly rural, which is reflected in its landscape of colonial houses, cultivated farms, vineyards, natural sites and the predominance of agricultural activities, which is carried out by the majority of its population. The Maipo River is the most important in the whole metropolitan area, because it supports the highest population density in Chile and is also the main stream which irrigates the area.

Traditions

One of its traditions is the Fiesta de La Virgen de La Merced. This feast is celebrated the last Sunday of September each year and attracts more than 80,000 pilgrims from all parts of the region, across the country and abroad.

La Fiesta de la Vendimia (a grape harvest feast) is celebrated every year, calling together local inhabitants and foreign tourists. The festival allows tourists to familiarize themselves with the culinary art of the commune, especially the high quality of its wines. The Plaza de Armas is converted into a large dining room, where one can hear folk and other varieties of music.

Demographics

According to the 2017 census of the National Statistics Institute, Isla de Maipo had 36,219 inhabitants (18,051 men and 18,168 women). Of these, 26,941 (74.4%) lived in urban areas and 9,278 (25.6%) in rural areas. The population grew by 40.39% (10,421 persons) between the 2002 and 2017 censuses; during this period, the female population surpassed the male population, going from 49% to 50.2%.

Administration

As a commune, Isla de Maipo is a third-level administrative division of Chile administered by municipal council, headed by an alcalde who is directly elected every four years. For the years 2021-2024, the mayor is Juan Pablo Olave Cambara (Ind.), and his council members are:

• Jorge Alfaro Acevedo (FA)
• Verónica Vargas Alfaro (UDI)
• Valeria Manríquez Urrea (PS)
• Daniela González Marchant (UDI)
• Hernan Leiva Lissembart (RN)
• Cristián Allendes Inostroza (DC)

Within the electoral divisions of Chile, Isla de Maipo is represented in the Chamber of Deputies by Juan Irarrázaval (REP), Juan Antonio Coloma (UDI), Raul Leiva (PS), Marisela Santibáñez (PCCh), Camila Musante (PS), and Leonardo Soto (PS) as part of the 14th electoral district (together with Talagante, Peñaflor, El Monte, Melipilla, María Pinto, Curacaví, Alhué, San Pedro, Padre Hurtado, Buin, Calera de Tango, San Bernardo, and Paine). The commune is represented in the Senate by Luciano Cruz-Coke (EVOP), Manuel José Ossandón (RN), Rojo Edwards (PSC), Fabiola Campillai (Ind), and Claudia Pascual (PCCh), as part of the 7th senatorial constituency (Santiago Metropolitan Region).

References

References

1. "Resultados CENSO 2017".
2. "Chile Time". WorldTimeZones.org.
3. "Municipality of Isla de Maipo".
4. "Miembros Concejo Municipal".
5. "Listado de Diputadas y Diputados". Chamber of Deputies.
6. "7ª Circunscripción: Región Metropolitana de Santiago". Senate of Chile.