Chilean Independence Day

Written by Paige, Nicaragua, August 2012

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Cultural Experience, Popular with Locals, Festival

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Comment from Paige

Much more than just a one-day holiday marking Chile’s independence, September 18th (“Dieciocho”) is really a month-long fiesta that celebrates all things Chilean. From the empanadas and asados (turnovers and barbecues, both classic Chilean cuisine), to the cueca competitions showcasing the national dance and huaso (cowboy) rodeos, to the military parades and chicha halls, Chile knows how to commemorate a call for freedom.

Note that September 18th doesn’t mark the actual day of independence; Chile became officially free from Spanish rule in April of 1818, eight years after the event celebrated by Dieciocho. But, it was on September 18, 1810, that Chile welcomed the southern spring by issuing its first declaration of independence, which set it on a path toward a true break with Spain.

Editor’s Note: This recommendation was taken from our Chile Things to Do blog. Visit the original post to continue reading the full post and to learn more about things to do in Chile.

Photo courtesy of Mark Scott Johnson via Flickr.

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