Victoria: Monument, Market and Culture

Victoria offers several distinct cultural points of interest: the Monumento al Colono commemorates the pioneers who came to this area around 1884; the Mercado de Victoria brings together a range of goods and opportunities for exchange between traders and farmers. At the municipal level, local crafts and ethnocultural activities are also part of the picture. Events from 2024 and 2025 add to these themes, while the Reserva Nacional Malleco is a destination nearby. This lets you distinguish between sculpture, market, cultural exchange and a trip into the surrounding area.

Monumento al Colono: a granite memorial

The Monumento al Colono is a five-metre-high granite sculpture weighing more than ten tonnes. It depicts a settler family with two adults and a son, and commemorates the pioneers who came to this area around 1884. The work was created by sculptor Leonardo Reyes. Enrique Ordenas, director of the art school at the Universidad de Concepción, is named as its initiator. The material, size and family depicted give the monument a tangible form; its historical significance lies in the pioneers’ arrival in the area.

Mercado de Victoria and local produce

The Mercado de Victoria is a local market and a folkloric attraction. It serves as a meeting place and a space for exchange between traders and farmers. Crafts, rural produce and other rustic goods are sold there. Unlike the standalone monument, the market offers a way to experience Victoria’s local culture through encounters and a varied range of goods. For planning your trip, these are two distinct perspectives: a sculpture with historical significance and a market that combines commerce and exchange.

Crafts and culinary connections in the municipality

Mapuche and non-Mapuche crafts in the municipality of Victoria also include “ñanas”: cloth dolls depicting Mapuche women engaged in various activities. This connection applies to the municipality of Victoria and adds a specific craft form to the area’s cultural offerings.

Another municipal-level connection is cordero victoriense. The Cooperativa Campesina Ovinos Victoria (Ovicoop) received the Sello de Origen for it. The Instituto Nacional de Propiedad Industrial (INAPI) presented the award in Santiago. The culinary connections therefore include both products from the Mercado de Victoria and an award-winning product designation from the municipality.

Ethnocultural activities and events

In the municipality of Victoria, the Indigenous community Ignacio Queipul offers ethnocultural activities. They are run by the women of the “Nehuén Domo Che” workgroup. The group travels around the region providing intercultural catering services and welcomes groups interested in the activities; arrangements are made through the tourism office.

The edition of the Feria Costumbrista celebrating Victoria’s 144th anniversary featured food, live music, folklore performances and activities for all ages. This edition took place in April 2025 at the Recinto Militar and ran through Sunday. Its programme combines food with music and folklore.

The third edition of the “Hilando Saberes” fair was also held in 2024 at Plaza Balmaceda in Victoria. It featured products and food, music, crafts and contributions from local talents. At a Mapuche Trafkintu gathering in Victoria on May 17, 2024, participants exchanged plants and seeds, sang and danced, and shared traditional foods. A 2024 celebration of Día de la Cocina Chilena at Victoria’s railway station included a free tasting of charquicán, quinoa pebre, empanadas, sopaipillas, ceviche and desserts. These examples vary in format, ranging from the exchange of plants and seeds to music, crafts and a tasting.

Trip to the Reserva Nacional Malleco

The Reserva Nacional Malleco is a named destination for a trip from Victoria into the surrounding area. It can be reached from Victoria via the Inspector Fernández and Faja San Juan-Niblinto route; the stated distance is 50 km. Check road conditions and seasonal vehicle requirements before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Traiguén, Curacautín, Collipulli, Purén, Lonquimay, Ranquíl, Lumaco.

Back to the regional travel overview: Malleco.