Bodies that persist: ritual, belonging, permanence, and matter in the construction and continuity of the funerary cycle. Región de Valparaíso, Chile

Abstract

This manuscript examines the funerary cycle in the Valparaíso Region, analyzing how ritual, belonging, and materiality intertwine to sustain collective memory. The author explores the role of the Quillota Municipal Cemetery as an urban and landscape landmark, where architecture serves as a physical vessel for remembrance. Through a historical and theoretical review, the text describes how the funeral transcends private grief to become a social act that gives a place to absence. The research highlights that funerary infrastructure is not a static space but a living archive, reactivated by the community's visits and commemorative practices. Finally, the study proposes that preserving these sites is essential for sustaining cultural identity and local historical heritage.