Chile Fiestas Patrias 2027
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About the event
Why Chile celebrates 18 September On 18 September 1810, a criollo junta in Santiago declared self-government from Spain — not yet full independence but the beginning of the independence process.
Chile's national dance — a courtship dance with handkerchiefs, performed at every fonda and school event.
Why this day
On 18 September 1810, a criollo junta in Santiago declared self-government from Spain — not yet full independence but the beginning of the independence process. This date, known as the Primer Grito de Independencia — First Cry of Independence — is celebrated as Chile's national day. Full independence was formally proclaimed in 1818 by Bernardo O'Higgins after years of war.
The celebration is known as Fiestas Patrias and spans 18-19 September and often more. The 19th is Armed Forces Day, with a military parade in Santiago. Together the two days are Chile's most important national holiday — more widely celebrated than Christmas by many Chileans.
The festivities centre on the ramada — a decorated outdoor shelter where people eat, drink chicha, and dance cueca, the national dance. Every neighbourhood and workplace sets up a ramada or fonda for the holidays. Rodeo championships are held across the country, and the national colours of red, white and blue adorn every street.
Timeline
- 1810First National Government Junta established in Santiago
- 1818Independence formally declared by Bernardo O'Higgins
- AnnualFiestas Patrias — Chile's national celebrations across 18-19 September
Key figures
Stay for the event
Check-in 17 Sep, check-out 19 Sep 2026 — 2 nights around 18 September 2026. Change the dates to stay longer.
AREA
Find stays in SantiagoHost country
- Currency: Chilean peso
- Language: Spanish
- Driving: on the right
- Capital: Santiago
- Phone: +56
- Emergency: 131
- Electricity: 220 V, 50 Hz, plugs C/F/L
What to eat
Baked pastry filled with spiced minced beef, onion, black olives, egg and raisins — the classic Chilean empanada.
Chilean barbecue — beef ribs, chicken and sausages grilled slowly over charcoal in large outdoor pits.
Skewered and grilled beef heart marinated in cumin and garlic — popular at street stalls during Fiestas Patrias.
Hearty soup with beef or chicken, potato, pumpkin and corn on the cob — a Chilean family staple.
Fried pumpkin flatbread served plain or soaked in chancaca sweet syrup — classic street fair food.
Fresh salsa of tomato, onion, coriander and chilli — served alongside everything at the Chilean table.
What to drink
Fermented grape or apple drink — thick, sweet and mildly alcoholic — the Fiestas Patrias drink.
Grape brandy shaken with lemon juice, egg white and sugar — Chile and Peru both claim the national cocktail.
Sweet wine-based cocktail with pineapple ice cream — a Santiago Fiestas Patrias tradition.
Culture & traditions
Chile's national dance — a courtship dance with handkerchiefs, performed at every fonda and school event.
Traditional Chilean rodeo — huasos in spurs and ponchos guide cattle in half-moon arenas across the country.
Decorated outdoor structures set up in every neighbourhood for eating, drinking and dancing during the holidays.
Traditional horseman's dress — poncho, wide-brimmed hat and spurs — worn at rodeos and parades.
Coming years
Chile Fiestas Patrias 2028
- Monday 18 September 2028Next event date
Chile Fiestas Patrias 2029
- Tuesday 18 September 2029Event date
Chile Fiestas Patrias 2030
- Wednesday 18 September 2030Event date