On the Altar of the Country. The Dispute ofthe Symbols in the Chilean and Peruvian Commemorations of the Battles of Tacna and Arica,1885-1929

The article analyzes the commemorations of the battles of the “Campo de la Alianza” and “Toma del Morro” in the cities of Tacna and Arica. It is emphasized in the dispute of symbols and memorable locations, and the deployment of different social organizations, schools, and the army. Through the local press research, a different evocative sense is distinguished in the Chilean and Peruvian civic acts. It is conjectured that the Chilean remembrance differed from the Peruvian one in as much the relations that maintained with sacred places and celebratory events of a minor character.