FAVAT 2026 Brings Together Nearly 2,500 People Around Birds, Culture, and Responsible Tourism

The 12th FAVAT (Feria de las Aves, Artesanía y Turismo de Curaco de Vélez — Curaco de Vélez Bird, Crafts, and Tourism Fair), FAVAT 2026, brought together nearly 2,500 people at Parque Costumbrista Los Molinos, cementing its place as one of Chiloé's leading community events linking nature, local culture, and responsible tourism.

Held in January 2026, this twelfth edition continued a process that, over more than a decade, has helped position Curaco de Vélez as a destination associated with birdwatching and the conservation of its coastal wetlands. The event gave residents and visitors alike a closer look at the natural heritage of the Curaco de Vélez Bay Nature Sanctuary, one of Chiloé's most important sites for migratory shorebirds.

The program included five environmental and ornithological presentations, ten musical performances, fifteen craft and local-product stalls, and eight food stands. These activities combined science outreach, cultural expression, and sales opportunities for entrepreneurs from the commune and nearby areas.

One of the central components was guided birdwatching walks along the Curaco de Vélez wetland trail. Around 80 people took part in these outings, accompanied by local guides and community members who shared information about the species present, the importance of the intertidal flats, and the good practices needed to avoid disturbing wildlife during the visit.

Beyond its cultural and recreational dimension, FAVAT serves as a concrete strategy for strengthening local birdwatching tourism. The fair connects guides, artisans, tourism providers, and producers with new audiences, promoting an economy tied to the conservation of natural heritage. At the same time, it provides an opportunity for environmental education that helps build appreciation for the relationship between biodiversity, territorial identity, and community well-being.

The 2026 edition was organized by the Curaco de Vélez Environment Committee, with institutional support from SERNATUR Chiloé, and received coverage from regional media and digital platforms. It was co-funded by the Los Lagos Regional Government, reinforcing coordination among local organizations, public institutions, and stakeholders in sustainable tourism.

Fundación Conservación Marina took part in strengthening this initiative as part of its work to consolidate a network of shorebird conservation sites and promote responsible birdwatching tourism as a tool for education, conservation, and local development.