We Americans love our Independence Day, with barbecues, fireworks, and Uncle Sam hats. But no matter how much fun I plan to have at the park tonight, I imagine that September in Chile will blow it out of the water.
In Chile, the independence day is more like independence month, as September is called Mes de la Patria. Historic independence is celebrated on September 18th (el Dieciocho, they call it, proper), the day on which the war for independence from Spain began in 1810. The celebrations center around the 18th and the 19th, Armed Forces Day, and the week of the 16-20th is thus the most important. During this time, most communities hold "fondas," huge gatherings in temporary halls (ramadas) traditionally made with thatched eucalyptus-branch roofs and sawdust floors. Here, indoor-outdoor parties are held each night for 5 days, with loads of food, rivers of drink, and crowds of Chileans dancing the cueca. This nightly rhythm is punctuated by daytime activities, like military showcase parades on the 19th, religious ceremonies, and kite-flying competitions.
An interesting side note: a leftover Pinochet-esque policy requires all homes to display the Chilean flag on September 18th and 19th. Public service announcements leading up to the date instruct citizens on the proper decorum for flag care and display, and homes who fail to follow the rules may face fines.
All said, Chileans know how to party for their country, and I'm looking forward to learning a thing or two myself.
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