Discovery Series Ornament – Santiago

The Starbucks Discovery Series Ornament Santiago brings together several elements that capture the character of Chile’s capital, from its dramatic mountain setting to traditional food, native wildlife and popular culture. Santiago was founded by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia on February 12, 1541, in the Mapocho River valley. The city grew into the political and economic center of the Spanish colony of Chile and remained at the heart of the country after Chile declared independence in 1818. Today, Santiago is the country’s largest city, set against the Andes and surrounded by a landscape that is very much part of its identity.

– The skyline of Santiago appears across the front of the ornament, with the city stretching toward the mountains in the background. The Andes are an unmistakable part of Santiago’s landscape, rising dramatically to the east of the city. The illustration uses a colorful collection of buildings to represent the sprawling metropolitan area, with the mountains providing a natural backdrop.

– The Lapageria Rosea, better known as the copihue, is one of Chile’s most recognizable flowers and has been the country’s national flower since 1977. This climbing plant is native to the temperate forests of central and southern Chile, where it grows among trees and other vegetation. Its distinctive bell-shaped flowers have long held cultural significance and are closely associated with Chilean identity.

– The chinchinero is a traditional Chilean street performer, particularly associated with Santiago. The performer carries a large drum on their back and uses sticks attached to their feet or hands to play the drum and cymbals while dancing and moving to the rhythm. Chinchineros often perform together with organilleros, creating a lively combination of music, dancing and acrobatics that has become a distinctive part of Chilean popular culture.

– The glass on the back of the ornament depicts Mote con Huesillo, a traditional Chilean summer drink made with cooked wheat berries and dried peaches served in a sweet, chilled syrup. It is particularly associated with street vendors and carts, making it a familiar sight around Santiago during the warmer months. The drink has been part of Chilean food culture for generations and remains one of the city’s quintessential refreshments.

– The Andean condor is one of the most recognizable birds of the South American Andes and is also the national bird of Chile. With its enormous wingspan and ability to soar effortlessly over the mountains, the condor has long been associated with strength, freedom and the rugged landscapes of the Andes. It is also an important symbol in Chilean culture and appears on the country’s coat of arms alongside the huemul.