F I E S TA S PAT

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Chiles

Chileans celebrate their independence on the 18th of

September. Their road to independence from Spain started

on that date in 1810. Although they would have to fight for
eight more years to earn their total freedom, Chile
celebrates the 18th of 1810 with great fanfare. Chile
officially proclaimed independence February 12, 1818.
The 18th, or "dieciocho," is celebrated during a week full

of fiestas patrias. This includes parades, dances, drinking,

eating traditional Chilean food, and music.

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Parades include huasos, the traditional Chilean
cowboys, music, and displays of national pride. Much of
the celebrations occur in ramadas(see picture
below), temporary open buildings with thatched roofs trad
itionally made from tree branches. Ramadas feature a danc
e floor, music, and tables to eat. Fondas, or refreshment
stands, offer a wide variety of
Chilean foods including empanadas, anticuchos (shish kab
obs), chicha (alchoholic drink), and more.

There are also frequent dance competitions with

the national dance, la cueca, being the most popular.
Rodeos in their "medialuna" arenas are common in
September and showcase the traditional Chilean
huaso. The Fiestas Patrias are one of many holidays
that Chileans celebrate