The Fiestas Patrias (Homeland Holidays) of Chile consists of two days, with a third one added on in some years.
- 18th September – Commemoration of the proclamation of the First Governing Body of 1810, and marking the beginning of the Chilean Independence process.
- 19th September – Known as the Day of the Glories of the Army”
- Since 2007, 17th September if it is a Monday, or 20th September, if it is a Friday, will be included as well.
The 18th September is very important as Chileans celebrate their freedom from Spanish rule. The celebration is an expression of Chilean culture. Traditional activities include Chilean rodeo, dancing the cueca, going to fondas and barbecue. Officially, activities are centred on a religious celebration “Te Deum Ecumenico de Fiesta Patrias”. This ceremony, which is organised by the Catholic Church and led by the Archbishop of Santiago, has taken place since 1811 when it was started by Jose Miguel Carrera. It takes place at 11 in the Plaza de Armas. Military parades and civil school parades are held on this day. Many Chileans travel to visit family, friends and relatives, it is estimated that 2 million Chileans travel during the holiday.
The 19th September, the anniversary of the installation of the First Government Council and the very first military parade in Chilean history, marks the Great Military Parade of Chile commemorating the glories of the Chilean Army. This takes plcae on Santiago’s O’Higgins Park and overseen by the President of Chile as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. It attracts millions of people and is shown live on radio, television and on the Internet, taking place in the afternoon to mark the end of the holiday.
Holidays & Special Events 