Abstract

The analysis of social mobilizations in Chile has revolved mainly around the rationale, strategies, and objectives of the protests. Although emerging, performativity and body are rather marginal subjects in protest studies. This article focuses on these elements by closely discussing two massive protests: the feminist Women's March (known as 8M) and the classist and combative Labor Day on May 1st, both demonstrations that take place in 2019 in Santiago, Chile. Based upon an ethnographic approach, we focus on bodies, aesthetics, and materialities performed in such events. By doing so, complex communicative processes emerge from these public demonstrations. In manifestations of an experiential and off-centered nature, the discourse articulates both the personal and political dimensions and is heterogeneously embodied in actual bodies, proving that personal is political. On the other hand, in manifestations of a collective and centralized nature, the discourse is expressed through canvases embodied in homogeneous corporality. This shows the emergence of the collective over personal experiences.