Chicha’s roots in Latin America is ingrained in communities across the country, but this is especially true for the Mapuche people in Chile. Indigenous to the region, the Mapuche generally reside in the Patagonian mountains. They are a very tightknit group with many conservative traditions that are passed on from generation to generation, including producing and consuming chicha, Chile’s national drink (Pablo Lacoste, et al. 2015, 95).

The Mapuche enjoy chicha year around during different occasion, both sacred and secular. For example, when the community constructs a hut, an event is held to celebrate the new home. During Easter, after children have been christened, chicha is incorporated into the religious festivities to commemorate the day. Additionally, chicha becomes an important part of rituals, such a awin, or the funeral ritual, where large quantities of chicha are consumed along with traditional Chilean dishes.

In the Mapuche community, chicha is used to form a circle of trust amongst members. When a member of the group refuses to partake in drinking practices, others view them with suspicion. 

Drinking chicha is not limited to adults only, children also enjoy chicha as part of the socializing process, especially males who learn at a young age that drinking chicha is an important part of society practices. If a male refuses to drink chicha, their manhood is questioned (Larissa Lomnitz 1969, 289).

Mapuche women are also expected to enjoy chicha in order to be viewed favorably within the community, but not in abundance as expected by men. Women often drink during festivities or when they go into town with their husbands to keep them company. However, the women drink smaller quantities of chicha as overconsumption is viewed negatively by community members. 

In conclusion, chicha is enjoyed by many communities throughout South America during festivities, after work and at home. The process of making chicha has changed throughout the centuries, beginning with corn and continuing with various forms of fruit, creating a dynamic tradition rather than conservative. Celebrating with chicha, however, is a required element to honor others and ensure communities remain strong.