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| National Day of Chile | |
|---|---|
| Name | Fiestas Patrias (National Day of Chile) |
| Type | National holiday |
| Official name | Fiestas Patrias de Chile |
| Observedby | Chile |
| Significance | Anniversary of the First National Government Junta of 1810 |
| Date | 18 September (primary); 19 September (Second Day) |
| Scheduling | same day each year |
| Duration | 2–18 days (varies by observance) |
| Frequency | Annual |
National Day of Chile National Day of Chile commemorates the establishment of the First Government Junta of Chile on 18 September 1810 and the beginning of the Chilean Patria movement for independence, celebrated nationwide with public ceremonies, folk festivals, and civic events. The observance ties together historical figures such as Bernardo O'Higgins, José Miguel Carrera, and Diego Portales with institutions including the Senate of Chile, Chilean Army, and Carabineros de Chile. It is marked by participation from municipal authorities like the Municipality of Santiago, cultural organizations such as the Museo Histórico Nacional, and national media outlets including Televisión Nacional de Chile.
The origins trace to the Napoleonic Wars impact on the Spanish Empire and the crisis in the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata and Captaincy General of Chile, which led local elites to form the First Government Junta of Chile on 18 September 1810 in Santiago, Chile. Key protagonists included Mateo de Toro y Zambrano, Ignacio de la Carrera, and members of the Patria Vieja period, setting the stage for later conflicts such as the Chilean War of Independence, the Battle of Chacabuco, and the Battle of Maipú. The process involved legal instruments like the Decreto de independencia discussions and was influenced by ideas circulating in the Enlightenment, French Revolution, and the American Revolution; later constitutional developments led to the Chilean Constitution of 1833 and the reforms associated with Diego Portales. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, celebrations incorporated references to the War of the Pacific, Federico Errázuriz, Arturo Alessandri Palma, and commemorations under administrations of Pedro Aguirre Cerda and Salvador Allende, evolving into modern state rituals under the Constitution of Chile (1980) and post-dictatorship governments including those of Patricio Aylwin and Michelle Bachelet.
Primary observance occurs on 18 September, with a secondary holiday on 19 September known as the "Second Day" observed by municipal calendars and institutions like the Municipalidad de Valparaíso and Ilustre Municipalidad de Providencia. The scheduling interacts with labor regulations administered by the Ministerio del Trabajo and public sector rules overseen by the Dirección del Trabajo. National broadcasters such as Canal 13 (Chile), Mega (Chile), and CHV provide live coverage of parades and civic acts held at venues like the Plaza de la Constitución and the Cerro Santa Lucía. Diplomatic missions including the Embassy of Chile in the United States and consulates in Buenos Aires, Madrid, and Sydney often host receptions aligned with the dates.
Popular expressions include the Cueca dance, performed in ramadas and at events organized by the Instituto Nacional de la Juventud and cultural centers such as the Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda. Culinary traditions feature the empanada, asado, chicha, mote con huesillo and beverages like pisco and vino chileno served at fondas run by associations including the Sociedad Nacional de Agricultura and local junta de vecinos. Rural communities celebrate with rodeo chileno events conducted under rules of the Federación Nacional de Rodeo Chileno, while urban neighborhoods stage parades involving groups from the Unión Nacional del Folklore and cultural troupes linked to universities such as the Universidad de Chile and the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
State ceremonies feature the President of Chile presiding over official acts at the Palacio de La Moneda and the Plaza de la Constitución, accompanied by the Chilean Army, Chilean Navy, Chilean Air Force, and the Carabineros de Chile. The Parada Militar (military parade) showcases units from the Academia de Guerra del Ejército and the Escuela Militar del Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins, with music provided by bands such as the Banda de Honor del Ejército de Chile and the Orfeón de Carabineros. Civic awards and medal ceremonies sometimes involve the Orden al Mérito and municipal honors conferred by alcaldes from cities like Concepción, Antofagasta, and La Serena.
Fiestas Patrias generate significant activity in sectors represented by organizations like the Cámara de Comercio de Santiago and the Asociación de Bancos e Instituciones Financieras (ABIF), affecting retail patterns tracked by the Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas (Chile). Transportation agencies such as Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil and Empresa de Ferrocarriles del Estado adjust schedules, while hospitality industries including the Asociación Chilena de Gastronomía and hotel associations see increased occupancy in regions like Región Metropolitana, Región de Valparaíso, and Región del Biobío. The public holiday framework is codified in labor law managed by the Código del Trabajo, and fiscal considerations involve the Ministerio de Hacienda and tourism promotion by SERNATUR.
Symbols prominently displayed include the Flag of Chile, the Coat of arms of Chile, and the National Anthem of Chile performed by choirs affiliated with institutions like the Municipalidad de Santiago and the Teatro Municipal de Santiago. Iconic historical references invoke José Miguel Carrera and Bernardo O'Higgins statues, memorialized at sites like the Cementerio General de Santiago and museums such as the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos and the Museo Histórico Nacional. Literary and artistic works connected to the holiday are produced by figures and organizations like Pablo Neruda, Violeta Parra, the Colegio de Arquitectos de Chile, and cultural programs broadcast on Radio Cooperativa.
Category:Public holidays in Chile