Las Fiestas Patrias – The National Celebrations

In Chile, throughout the entire country, there are 2 distinct days that are set aside for every citizen to have as a celebration and that is the 18^th and 19^th of September, the days of national pride known as the fiestas patrias.   We have something similar in the United States in the Fourth of July, a single day to celebrate the birth of our nation and to enjoy time with family and friends (familia y amigos) and the joy of being an American.  Yet, in Chile, they have the wisdom to set aside not just 1 day, but 2 days, and with in mind, the thoughts of everyone turns to the red, white and blue (el rojo, blanco y azul) of Chile.

The 18^th and 19^th of September are marked as such to commemorate the independence (la independencia) of Chile from Spain, and although there is some dispute as to whether it happened for real in 1808 or 1810  (actual independence came in April of 1818),   there is no debate on the days themselves. Chileans circle these days in red on their calendars in the beginning of the year (la empieza del ano), and plan their festive times to come filled with the national dance, (la cueca), grilled meats (asados) on open flames, a flavorful wine-sangria type drink (chachi) served in a horn, and of course, the ever-present and flavorful empanada.

Many people celebrate the days with family and friends; others diverge on Parque O’Higgins in Santiago for the national parade (el desfile nacional), some head to the shore, some to the mountains (las montanas), some even head out of town to Buenos Aires.  Whatever the plan, it includes getting ready to party and to celebrate (celebrar) the national days of independence, to kick off the cold of winter and embrace the coming of spring, and to acknowledge the identity and unity of an entire nation.

We went ourselves to El Ingenio, which is located at the foot (al pie) of the Andes mountains just past San José del Maipo, where a group of men (guasos) and women (guasas y chinas) on horseback rode from El Ingenio to San Gabriel to reenact the days of yore.  With their colored costumes and styles of Andalucía, the people were impressive and authentic, taking time to dismount to dance (cueca) in the streets, filling the day with spirit (el espíritu) that comes off as vibrant, brilliant and bold.

The memories are fresh and the images of the days mixed with the sights, sounds, smells and tastes bring this experience to the front burner of the mind even today.  The experience is truly a unique one, a set of events and circumstances (unos eventos y circunstancias) that amplify the spirit of the country and celebrate a tradition that ties together a nation from top to bottom (de arriba al abajo).