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Get ready to celebrate Chile's Independence Day on September 18th! This holiday commemorates the day in 1810 when Chile declared its independence from Spain. It's a day filled with vibrant parades, traditional dances, and delicious food such as empanadas and asado (barbecue). In addition to celebrating their freedom, Chileans also take this opportunity to honor their country's rich culture and heritage. So put on your dancing shoes and join in on the festivities – it's sure to be a blast!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1540</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Spanish Colonization Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Spanish adventurer Pedro de Valdivia starts the colonization of Chile, marking the beginning of over two centuries of Spanish rule.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1808</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Spain's Power Weakened</div><div class='timeline-text'>Napoleon's invasion of Spain weakens the mother country's power, creating an opportunity for Chile and other Spanish colonies to push for independence.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1810</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Chile Declares Independence</div><div class='timeline-text'>On September 18, a national junta in the name of Ferdinand VII, Spain's overthrown king, is formed, marking the start of Chile’s journey toward independence.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1818</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Independence Officially Granted</div><div class='timeline-text'>On February 12, Chile is officially granted independence from Spain. Bernardo O'Higgins is acknowledged as the first Chilean head of state.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1915</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Independence Day Becomes National Holiday</div><div class='timeline-text'>Chilean government officially designates September 18 as a national holiday, marking the start of annual Independence Day celebrations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Today</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Celebrations Continue</div><div class='timeline-text'>Every year, Chileans celebrate their Independence Day with traditional festivities including parades, music, and food, honoring their rich culture and heritage.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find out if there is a Chile Independence Day parade in your city and go watch it! You'll get to see colorful floats, traditional costumes, and lively music.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try Chilean cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate Chile's independence by trying some traditional Chilean dishes. Empanadas, pastel de choclo, and cazuela are just some of the delicious options to choose from.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Chilean history</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the opportunity to learn more about Chile's history and the struggles that led to its independence. Visit a museum or do some research online to gain a deeper understanding of this important holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a traditional dance performance</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Chile is known for its vibrant and colorful traditional dances. Look for a local dance group or performance that showcases these traditional dances and enjoy the lively music and costumes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create Chilean-inspired crafts</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get crafty and make some Chilean-inspired decorations or crafts to celebrate the holiday. This could be anything from making a Chilean flag out of construction paper to creating your own version of a traditional Chilean weaving.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of independence and freedom</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Chile Independence Day is a day to honor and celebrate the country's independence from Spanish rule. It's a time to remember and pay tribute to those who fought for freedom, and to reflect on the progress that has been made since then.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Traditional food and drinks</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On Chile Independence Day, people come together to enjoy traditional foods like empanadas, choripanes, and pastel de choclo. There are also special drinks such as mote con huesillo or terremoto that are only consumed during this holiday - making it even more special and unique!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Colorful celebrations and festivals</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Chile Independence Day is marked by colorful parades, dancing, music, and other cultural events throughout the country. People dress up in traditional clothing, decorate their homes and streets with patriotic symbols, and participate in organized festivals to celebrate their independence and national pride.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Celebration is Known as "Fiestas Patrias"</h3><p class='facts-content'>Independence Day in Chile is not just a one-day event. The celebrations unfold over several days, spanning from September 17 to 19, and are collectively known as "Fiestas Patrias" or "Patriotic Festivals".</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Chile Rodeo is the National Sport Played During the Celebrations</h3><p class='facts-content'>During the Fiestas Patrias, Chileans participate in Chile Rodeo, the country's national sport. Two Huasos (cowboys) attempt to herd cattle into a small pen, demonstrating their skillful horse-riding abilities in a competitive setting.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Ramadas" Are Temporary Buildings Erected for Festivities</h3><p class='facts-content'>During the Fiestas Patrias, temporary thatched buildings known as "Ramadas" are erected in towns and cities across the country. These serve as dance halls and places for communal gatherings throughout the celebrations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Traditional dances include the "Cueca"</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Cueca is a traditional Chilean dance often performed during Fiestas Patrias. The dance portrays a courtship between a man and woman, characterized by the waving of handkerchiefs and brisk footwork.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A Celebration of Chilean Wine</h3><p class='facts-content'>Chile's Independence Day celebrations double up as a celebration of wine. Many wineries open their doors for tours and tastings. A popular drink during the celebration is "Chicha", a fermented beverage made from grapes or apples.</p></div></div>
Chile Independence Day is celebrated on September 18th every year. In 2024 Chile Independence Day will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
Sep 18
Monday
2024
Sep 18
Wednesday
2025
Sep 18
Thursday
2026
Sep 18
Friday
2027
Sep 18
Saturday
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