There is no date that connects Chileans more than the national holidays, which celebrate the anniversary of the start of the country’s independence process with typical food and drink, dancing, and many other traditions.
1. Chile Fondas for your enjoyment
Visiting the fondas is an essential sight to celebrate Chile’s national holidays. These are spacious spaces where people come together to share Food, activities, and live shows.
Each region has its own iconic inns and ramadas. In the case of Santiago, the largest are the ones in O’Higgins Park. Not to be missed!
Visit our sister site, Chile is Yours, for more information on the Chilean fondas made across the country. Enter here.
2. Dance a cueca foot and feel like another Chilean
Nothing is more traditional than dancing the cueca foot on national holidays. There’s no need to be an expert, as with a handkerchief, all you have to do is stomp your feet and show off to your partner in traditional Chilean dance.
The Cueca is not the only protagonist in the celebrations of the 18th century. The cumbia is also often danced during festivals, where people enjoy its catchy rhythms and upbeat melodies.
3. Pine Empanada: a gastronomic delight
The delicious empanada de pino consists of a thin bread dough that is baked and filled with meat, onions, eggs, olives, and optional raisins, depending on each guest’s taste. Although consumption increases during national holidays, It is a common meal for Chileans all year.
There are other dishes that you cannot miss. The casserole, the reined beans, the huesillo nickname, and the anticucho are part of the gastronomic offer that you will find during the celebrations.
And if you fancy a drink If you are looking for something stronger, you cannot do without Chilean wine, chicha, or the strong drink called “Terremoto”.
4. Test your skills with typical Chilean games
Hopscotch consists of throwing a metal puck at an inclined 11-meter box with the aim of hitting a chalk line. Players must be 14 yards apart, and shots take turns, adding points as they get closer to the line.
Throwing the greasy stick, rope, or emboque are other fun traditional Chilean games played during the national holidays.
5. The thrill of flying a kite
Thousands of Chilean men and women go out to fly kites during the national holiday, taking advantage of the pleasant spring winds.
It is an ideal activity to practice as a family. Therefore, it is important to maintain accountability.
Cured wire should never be used (intervened wire), and you must stay away from power lines. Kites that are trapped in dangerous places such as cables or tree tops should also not be removed to avoid accidents.
