Santiago hosts the annual Fiestas Patrias military parade celebrating Chile’s independence season.
Chile’s Fiestas Patrias are centered on 18 September, which commemorates the formation of the First Government Junta in 1810, and 19 September, known as Army Day. The main military parade traditionally takes place in Santiago at Parque O’Higgins and includes the armed forces and Carabineros de Chile.
The wider holiday period is famous for fondas, temporary open-air venues featuring Chilean food, music, dancing, and games. Cueca, Chile’s national dance, is especially associated with the celebrations. Barbecued meats, empanadas, and traditional drinks are also common.
A frequent misunderstanding is that 18 September marks the final end of Spanish rule. Chile’s definitive declaration of independence came in 1818, but the 1810 junta is the event commemorated by the principal national holiday.