Bernardo O´Higgins (by Laura)

Chile's towns are full of references to this most Chilean of Irishmen (see top). Bernardo O'Higgins was the illegitimate son of a Sligo-born Viceroy of Peru and a Chilean woman. He led the Chilean revolt against the Spanish from 1810, which, with the help and impetus from other 'Libertadores' of the time (Simon Bolivar and Jose de San Martin) led to Chile's independence in 1818.

It all looks rather incongruous at first, as you pass ´Supermercado O'Higgins', Avenida O'Higgins or Plaza O'Higgins. There's even a Villa O'Higgins in southern Patagonia. Even odder is the Chilean pronounciation of his name, since 'H' in Spanish is silent. The result is quite comical.

Laura