Every year, on September 18, Chile celebrates Independence Day in grand style to commemorate the beginning of the process of Independence from the Spanish Crown. Commonly known as "the eighteenth" (in allusion to the date), most of the major celebrations take place around the 18th and 19th, but the festivities can last up to a week. Make sure to also check out the lively parades. In the capital city of Santiago, the military put on a huge parade on the 19th. This day is considered a national holiday as well. It commemorates the people in Chile who have given their lives to protect the country. Typical Food and Drinks In order to celebrate like a Chilean, you need to eat Police officers playing drums on top of horses STORYLINE: The President of Chile Gabriel Boric oversaw a traditional military parade on Tuesday in honor of the country's Independence Day The Day of the Glories of the Army is a Chilean national holiday commemorated on September 19 as the grand finale of the country’s Independence Day celebrations on September 18. Since 1819, the parade has included all of Chile’s armed forces, including the Chilean Navy, Chilean Air Force, and Carabineros de Chile. 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 traditionally made from tree branches. Fiestas Patrias – otherwise known as “dieciocho” – is the celebration of Chile’s independence from Spain in 1810, and the 18th and 19th of September – which commemorate the first day that the Chilean government gathered to declare independence from Spain, as well as the Day of the Glories of the Army – are the best holidays in the On September 18, 1810, Chile declared independence from Spain, sparking a long struggle for freedom. Chile's independence began with a town meeting that set the stage for eventual self-governance. September 18 is now a festive day in Chile, celebrated with parades, music, and traditional games. The military parade is a significant highlight of Chilean Independence Day celebrations, showcasing the country’s military strength, precision, and national pride. The Fiestas Patrias (literally Homeland Holidays) [1] of Chile consist of two days, with a third one added on some years: 18 September, in commemoration of the proclamation of the First Governing Body of 1810, and marking the beginning of the Chilean Independence process. Many businesses and schools will announce a week-long holiday for the ‘Fiestas Patrias’ or ‘Homeland Holidays,’ which commemorate the events surrounding the country’s fight for autonomy. These fiestas feature parades, dancing, partying, traditional Chilean food, and displays of patriotism. Fiestas Patrias: The colorful traditions in Chile on the 18th of September burst out alive to celebrate their independence from the Spanish Conquistadores. Are you ready for some tasty asado while watching the cueca dance? The "Cueca", Chile's National Dance Chile's Independence Day, popularly known as "el Dieciocho", takes place every 18 September, and depending on what day of the week the date falls, the celebrations can also include from 17 to 20 September. Fiestas Patrias takes place every year on September 18 to commemorate the date of the first governing body of Chile which took place in 1810. The celebrations are preceded by a week of festivities that culminate on September 19, which is Armed Forces Day, with a huge parade. For more than a century the Military Parade of Chile or Great Military Parade of Chile (Spanish: Gran Parada Militar de Chile or Parada Militar de Chile) has been a tradition within the Independence Day holidays in Chile. [1] It is held in Santiago, Chile 's O'Higgins Park on September 19 yearly in honor of the Glories of the Chilean Army with a military parade involving not just the ground The President of Chile Gabriel Boric oversaw a traditional military parade on Tuesday in honor of the country's Independence Day celebrations in Santiago. (Sep. Chile Independence Day 2025 : The celebration of Fiestas Patrias is an expression of Chilean culture. Traditional activities associated with the Dieciocho include Chilean rodeo, dancing the cueca, going to fondas, and barbecue. Fiestas Patrias, or Chilean Independence Day, is one of Chile’s most significant and eagerly anticipated celebrations. Held on September 18, this vibrant holiday commemorates the beginning of the country’s struggle for independence from Spanish rule in 1810. Chile’s Fiestas Patrias officially begin on September 18, or “el Dieciocho”, which marks the day Chile declared their First Governing Body of 1810, setting the path to Chile’s independence. The following day, September 19, is also a national holiday, in celebration of the “Day of the Glories of the Army.” National Independence Day, known as Fiestas Patrias, is the most significant national holiday in Chile. Celebrated annually on September 18, it marks the formal proclamation of the First Government Junta back in 1810, establishing independent rule from Spain. The holiday officially commemorates the country's sovereignty, national identity, and pays homage to its rich cultural heritage. Chile’s Independence Day, known as “Fiestas Patrias,” is a grand celebration held annually on September 18th. This vibrant occasion marks Chile’s declaration of independence from Spanish rule, reflecting the nation’s rich history and cultural pride. Transitioning from colonial times to a sovereign state, Chileans embrace this day with enthusiasm and joy, showcasing their traditions
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