Chile Fiestas Patrias

Chile Fiestas Patrias

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  1. 1810First National Government Junta established in Santiago
  2. 1818Independence formally declared by Bernardo O'Higgins
  3. AnnualFiestas Patrias — Chile's national celebrations across 18-19 September

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. 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.

  1. 202618 September 2026 · Friday
  2. 202718 September 2027 · Saturday
  3. 202818 September 2028 · Monday
The Chilean flag
Chile flag

The Chilean flag has two equal horizontal bands — white on top and red on the bottom — with a blue canton in the upper left bearing a white five-pointed star. The star represents a guide to progress and honour; blue symbolises the Pacific Ocean and the sky; white represents the snow of the Andes; and red stands for the blood of those who died for independence.

Chilean cuisine is shaped by the long Pacific coastline, the Andes mountains and the fertile Central Valley. Fiestas Patrias food is particular — empanadas, anticuchos and chicha are the defining tastes of the celebration.

What to eat

Empanadas de pinoBaked pastry filled with spiced minced beef, onion, black olives, egg and raisins — the classic Chilean empanada.
AsadoChilean barbecue — beef ribs, chicken and sausages grilled slowly over charcoal in large outdoor pits.
AnticuchosSkewered and grilled beef heart marinated in cumin and garlic — popular at street stalls during Fiestas Patrias.
CazuelaHearty soup with beef or chicken, potato, pumpkin and corn on the cob — a Chilean family staple.
SopaipillaFried pumpkin flatbread served plain or soaked in chancaca sweet syrup — classic street fair food.
PebreFresh salsa of tomato, onion, coriander and chilli — served alongside everything at the Chilean table.

What to drink

ChichaFermented grape or apple drink — thick, sweet and mildly alcoholic — the Fiestas Patrias drink.
Pisco sourGrape brandy shaken with lemon juice, egg white and sugar — Chile and Peru both claim the national cocktail.
TerremotoSweet wine-based cocktail with pineapple ice cream — a Santiago Fiestas Patrias tradition.
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Chile culture

Chilean culture combines Indigenous Mapuche traditions with Spanish colonial heritage and a fierce Pacific coastal identity. Fiestas Patrias is the year's biggest celebration — the cueca dance, the rodeo and the ramada structure are its defining symbols.

Cueca danceChile's national dance — a courtship dance with handkerchiefs, performed at every fonda and school event.
RodeoTraditional Chilean rodeo — huasos in spurs and ponchos guide cattle in half-moon arenas across the country.
Ramadas and fondasDecorated outdoor structures set up in every neighbourhood for eating, drinking and dancing during the holidays.
Huaso costumeTraditional horseman's dress — poncho, wide-brimmed hat and spurs — worn at rodeos and parades.