In Chile, the celebrations of their independence’s first centenary were monopolized by the ruling élite, which benefited from the occasion by expressing its political and cultural hegemony with festivals and public works representative in nature. At the same time, the centenary gave place to a phase of critical reflection on national situation, in which several important intellectuals  of the time took part. This work examines these two aspects and attempts  to establish connections between  them, centered  on the discourses  of identity  found  in both.  The author  concludes with the ascertainment of a strong deficit in national integration, requiring  corrections for future commemorations.