Farther south than Costa Rica sits Chile, and this holiday embraces Chilean culture in all it's glory. Fiestas Patrias, translated to national holiday, is a celebration of the proclamation of the first governing body in 1810, which sparked movements for independence in Chile. Depending on when the holiday falls, the festivities can last as long as a week, but always begin on the 18th.
Many activities happen on this day, and traditionally there is a rodeo, dancing of the cueca, attendance at fondas, and large barbecues. Fondas are temporary structures, mostly tents, that are decorated for the holiday and house lots of food. They prominently serve empanadas, which are a bread pastry with an array of fillings.
The Cueca is the national dance of Chile, and is thought of having both Spanish and Indigenous influences.
No comments:
Post a Comment