[3][4] When the War of the Pacific broke out in 1879, the divisions of the department were as follows: The treaty of 1866 established the border between the two States on the parallel 24°, creating an area of common interests between 23 and 25 degrees south latitude.

[clarification needed] The treaty of 1874, which established the final boundary between the two nations the parallel 24°, provided that for a period of 25 years, new taxes shall not be imposed on the Chilean people and companies based in the area.

[clarification needed] Chile was willing to move down the coast from the desert to allow Bolivia a sovereign outlet to the ocean, under the conditions seen before.

[clarification needed] Since then, Bolivia retains the policy of a territorial claim of a sovereign outlet to the Pacific Ocean.

During the week long event, Bolivia reasserts their claim to their lost territory; some of the celebrations contain anti-Chilean statements.