{"id":46257,"date":"2025-04-12T14:06:42","date_gmt":"2025-04-12T18:06:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wp-sernatur02.chdev.cl\/?p=46257"},"modified":"2026-08-17T14:32:19","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T18:32:19","slug":"fiestas-patrias-in-chile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chile.travel\/en\/blog\/fiestas-patrias-in-chile\/","title":{"rendered":"Independence Day in Chile: Culture, Gastronomy and Traditional Celebrations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We love September<\/strong>! This is one of the happiest months of the year in Chile because we celebrate Independence Day, <\/strong>which includes delicious empanadas, anticuchos, cueca dancing and hundreds of traditional games.<\/strong> All traditions that showcase the essence of Chilean culture<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the month begins, cities are adorned with flags<\/strong>, ramadas appear and there’s no shortage of activities and celebrations to enjoy with friends over a glass of red wine. But what are we celebrating? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Bit of History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Independence Day in Chile officially consists of just two days, although Chileans usually start celebrating as soon as the calendar marks the arrival of September. The truth is that only September 18 and 19<\/strong> are public holidays for all Chileans. These days are considered “non-waivable.” This means that all citizens must take a break from work, unless their jobs are necessary for the country’s functioning or service activities such as restaurants and hotels, among others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 18th marks the anniversary of the First Government Junta<\/strong>, which occurred in 1810 and\u2014according to historians\u2014would initiate the independence process. Meanwhile, the 19th celebrates the Glories of the Army, a commemoration that has been official since 1832, but for which there are records dating back to 1817. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celebrations Everywhere<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During Independence Day, the plazas, parks and countryside of Chile transform into traditional gathering places where craft stalls, typical Chilean food<\/a> carts, dance floors and live outdoor music are set up. This is complemented by the fact that September is a month of warm and moderate temperatures that bring an end to the Chilean winter and open the doors to spring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Diego Fontecilla<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

So you can celebrate like a true Chilean, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to celebrate our Independence Day.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fondas and Ramadas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During Independence Day in Chile there are no discotheques<\/em>, there are fondas and ramadas. What?<\/strong> Let us explain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Fonda” and “ramada” are the names given to small venues that are only set up during the Independence Day<\/strong> celebration, another way to refer to the festivities. According to the Memoria Chilena<\/a> website, their origins date back to the 16th century in rural areas. Later, they were brought to the cities to celebrate events with music, singing and dancing… and alcohol.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although today fondas and ramadas are used as synonyms, some maintain that “ramadas” were called that because they were built with logs and branches, while at fondas\u2014in their origins\u2014attendees could leave their horses, eat and even stay to sleep until the next day.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n